You know what they say about first impressions—and Commonwealth’s social media accounts are the equivalent of a smile and a handshake to the many people who first experience our school via Instagram, Facebook, and more. Who’s behind the screens, capturing Commonwealth’s ethos for the world to see? Becca Gillis, English aficionado turned Communications Coordinator. Of course, Ms. Gillis’s work doesn’t end with Instagram. Drawing on her own experience as an independent school alumna, she tells Commonwealth’s stories and communicates critical updates via weekly newsletters, magazine articles, announcements throughout our building, and more. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about the friendly face behind those dispatches (and behind the front desk three afternoons a week!). 

Getting to Know You 

What is bringing you joy right now? 

Spring! And how much later it’s staying light out now.

What is your favorite book (or a book you’ve re-read)? 

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf. Her style of writing is so strikingly specific and painfully intimate, and the points she draws out in that book (or speech/essay, more accurately) are still so relevant and important today.

What are your favorite comfort foods? 

Belgian waffles with strawberries.

What was your favorite class in high school? 

My favorite classes in general were English, but my very favorite class I took in high school was AP European History. Not only because the material was really interesting to me, but because I just learned more information in that class than in any other I had ever taken. I felt like it actually grew my brain in a way that I felt super proud of at the end of that year. 

What is your motto?

Know your audience.

Working at Commonwealth

What do you love most about working at Commonwealth?

It might be the weekly assemblies. I’ve been so impressed by how thoughtful and engaging the speakers have been, and I love what a range of people and performances we’ve gotten to see this year. I remember listening to the Trio Gaia ensemble perform at the chamber music assembly a few months ago and just thinking, “I get to sit and enjoy a concert like this for work?!” It’s an incredible opportunity to experience some really cool people and ideas. 

What led you to Communications and to Commonwealth in particular? 

Communications was a pretty natural fit after graduating from college with an English degree, and Commonwealth stood out to me because of my own history with independent schools. I spent sixth through twelfth grade at an independent school with a lot of similarities to Commonwealth: my graduating class had about thirty-five students, I had a personal faculty advisor, academics were quite rigorous, and we had a lot of unique and beloved school traditions like Commonwealth does (although it was a Catholic and all-girls school, which was quite different!). A lot of those things really formed who I am as a person, and I was excited to work someplace that provides students with that kind of foundation.

What do students (and families) need to know about you and what you do?

Students and families mostly encounter my work through our social media accounts and the Commonwealth Weekly newsletters that go out almost every Friday. If there’s something you want to broadcast to our community, let me know, and I’ll try to get it out there one way or another!

When and how can students expect to meet you?

Students are always welcome to swing by my office on the fourth floor for any reason, but they run into me most frequently in the front office, where I manage the desk a few afternoons every week.

What's the best way for students to connect with you during the school year?

I’ll always respond to emails and direct messages on our social media accounts, but students can come talk to me anytime, whether in my office or at the front desk.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is a little different! Some days I spend a lot of time drafting social media content, others I might be writing the Commonwealth Weekly newsletters or an article for our blog or CM, or you might find me taking care of administrative tasks. Ultimately, the work I do every day is centered around keeping abreast of and sharing the news and stories in our community, so it all comes down to finding opportunities to connect with students and faculty.

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