The Untold Story of... Laura Paul, Ph.D.

1. I grew up in Weehawken, New Jersey, perched right above the Lincoln Tunnel. Ours was a pretty unique household. My father was in the Army Reserves after leaving the regular Army. We had a pistol range in our basement. My mother was the police and fire commissioner of the town. (Below, Laura's dad)
2. In high school, I received a nomination to West Point, which was an incredible honor. Ultimately, though, I chose a different path and headed to Fordham University.
3. In high school and college I was on the swim team. My signature stroke was the butterfly. I still jump in the water every chance I get - even if it's freezing! The cold water doesn't bother me as I grew up spending summers in Bay Head on the Jersey Shore swimming in the ocean.
4. After college, I started in sports marketing and public relations. One of the most unique projects I got to work on was the Joint US-Soviet dog sled expedition across the Bering Strait. I made a whopping $15,000 that year. Even adjusting for inflation, the pay was staggeringly low, but it remains one of the most fun, unforgettable jobs I've ever had. (Below, invitation)
5. My brother was a specialist on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX), and after visiting him on the floor, I knew I wanted to work there, too. I became a clerk and then an options market maker for Timber Hill, and piloted the very first handheld computers. I also played on the AMEX co-ed softball team and was a member of the Downtown Athletic Club, the historic home of the Heisman Trophy. Sadly, both of those institutions no longer exist. (Below, badge)
6. I have a deep love for travel, and most trips usually involve some sort of adventurous component. I ran the Dublin Marathon and, later, cross-country skied a marathon in Finland. At the time, I had only gone cross-country skiing a handful of times, but because I had run a marathon, I figured it would be "easy peasy." It wasn't. I finished remarkably close to last place and spent the day being effortlessly passed by cheerful Finnish grandfathers. But I did it, and absolutely loved Finland. The farthest from home I've traveled so far is Tasmania, and I'm incredibly excited to be heading to Brazil this August.
7. My travels have also taken me on deeply spiritual journeys. I had the privilege of going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, traveling with the Knights and Dames of Malta. It was an incredibly moving experience to witness and assist with the care of the malades (the sick) at the sanctuary, and it remains one of the most profound chapters of my life. (Below, pictured in uniform)
8. If I could have chosen any alternative career, I would have loved to be a full-time sports coach. It probably wouldn't work at a high professional level, simply because I can't choose just one sport as I love them all! Over the years, I've coached youth girls lacrosse and high school girls tennis, and I currently coach adaptive skiing at the Double H Ranch. Seeing people overcome obstacles on the slopes is about as rewarding as it gets.
9. When my children were little, I moved us to Lake Placid for one main reason: my sister Linda, her husband Dick, and my nieces. Linda is the kind of person who just elevates everyday life. She's brilliant, entrepreneurial, fiercely loyal, and my absolute anchor. Bonus, she has this magical way of pulling together incredible, effortless-looking meals that bring everyone together, usually leading into a night of games and endless laughter.
10. I lived in Lake Placid for eight years raising my children while living and working on the campus of the Northwood School, where I served as the dean of international students and then the dean of academics. It was an incredible, immersive experience that I wouldn't change for the world. Now, we are all happy to be back in Saratoga, my children are both Siena students, and I have just finished my fifth year working here! (Below, little Olivia and Matt)

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