From Classroom to Campaign Trail: How an SSFS Education Is Shaping a Young Leader

When Taryn Schwartz ’23 left Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) in 2023, she stepped into the next chapter of her life with clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose. Now a junior at Oberlin College, she made the bold decision to finish her academic year early in order to serve as campaign manager for State Senator Craig Zucker, an opportunity that is already placing her at the center of meaningful public service.

Her path to leadership did not begin in a campaign office. It began in a classroom.

Discovering a Passion

Taryn traces her interest in politics back to her time at SSFS, particularly a middle school immersion experience that introduced her to the inner workings of government. During that week, she met with elected officials, including Representative Jamie Raskin, and engaged in conversations about public policy that sparked her curiosity.

“That experience made everything feel real,” she reflects. “It was not abstract anymore. I could see how government directly impacts people’s lives.”

From there, her interest only deepened. By high school, she was actively seeking opportunities to engage in civic life, eventually interning with Senator Zucker’s campaign in 2022. That early experience laid the groundwork for what would become a defining professional relationship.

Building Momentum

At Oberlin, where she is pursuing a double major in politics and history, Taryn has embraced a full and dynamic college experience. She competes on the women’s lacrosse team, has served on the Honor Committee, and founded a Jewish Student Athlete group, each role reflecting her commitment to leadership and community.

Balancing these responsibilities alongside her growing involvement in government has required discipline and clarity of purpose.

“I learned how to communicate with professors, coaches, and colleagues in a way that was both professional and authentic,” she shares.

Throughout college, she has remained connected to public service, interning in Senator Zucker’s office. This experience has given her a deeper understanding of how policy translates into real-world impact.

Stepping Into Leadership

This year, Taryn took an extraordinary step, choosing to finish her junior year early in order to serve full-time as campaign manager for Senator Zucker.

“It was a moment where I realized I was capable of more than I had thought,” she says. “I was suddenly hiring and managing people and helping lead a campaign that serves thousands of constituents.”

Her leadership approach is grounded in collaboration and shared purpose. She focuses on building a team that is not only effective, but also energized by the work they are doing.

“I want to create an environment where people are excited about the work and understand the impact it has,” she explains.

The SSFS Difference

Taryn credits much of her growth to the foundation she built during her ten years at SSFS. The school’s emphasis on Quaker values, particularly integrity, equality, and reflection, continues to shape how she approaches both her work and her relationships.

“At SSFS, you are taught to lead with integrity and to treat everyone with respect,” she says. “That is something I carry with me in every professional setting.”

She also points to signature experiences like the Senior Passion Project and immersion learning as pivotal moments that encouraged her to explore her interests in meaningful ways.

A Community That Endures

Like many alumni, Taryn felt a deep sense of loss when SSFS faced the threat of closure in 2025, but she was equally inspired by the community’s response.

“It showed just how much the school means to people,” she reflects. “The support that came forward was incredible, and it reminded me how strong the SSFS community really is.”

She remains committed to staying connected and encourages current students to take full advantage of what SSFS offers.

“Take every opportunity,” she advises. “SSFS gives you the space to try new things, to fail, and to grow, and that is something really special.”

Looking Ahead

As Taryn continues her academic journey while taking on real-world leadership, she does so with a strong sense of purpose and a foundation rooted in her SSFS experience.

From immersion week to the campaign trail, her story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when students are encouraged to lead early, think deeply, and act with integrity.