I am a Professional Photographer/owner at Catherine Fiehn Photography and Director of Photography for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine and momanager for my actress & model daughter Mary Kate Malat.
What was your educational path after graduating from St. Mary School?
I attended Milford High School, then Sacred Heart University graduating with a BS in Media Studies and Minors in Graphic Design & Political Science.
What volunteer efforts are you involved with?
I’m currently a volunteer and official photographer of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Corporation.
How do you feel SMS prepared you academically?
The sisters and teacher that taught us never quit until we knew our stuff! They were very strict and dedicated and that ultimately taught me that discipline and hard work pay off.
Do you feel SMS provided you with a foundation for your future?
Academics were top priority, but other things such as candy sales, basketball tournaments and holiday celebrations fueled my creativity and competitiveness in the “real world”. When offered goals to sell candy, I came up with a way to sell more than anyone else by standing outside of a bank of Friday afternoons because back in the day, that was when everyone got paid! My boyfriend works for Today’s Catholic Teacher Magazine & I have to smile every time I hear him talking about the“World’s Finest Chocolate.”
What are some of your favorite memories of SMS?
Holiday fairs including guessing how many jelly beans where in an orange juice container! I always won because they used the same jar and same jelly beans every year and I couldn’t help remembering that 198 fit in there. The crowning of the Blessed Virgin on May Day was a favorite day to look forward to as we all brought flowers to school. Every Tuesday was “hot dog day” and to this day I often have a hankering for boiled hot dogs from time to time. Also going to Mass on the first Friday of every month, and having back hand spring competitions on the back lawn at recess.
What advice can you give to our students?
After you get out of school, it’s not selfish to do what you want to do and love in life. Every one of you, no matter what you end up doing in life, is important. If you love to cook, then cook! If you want to be governor, then go for it, someone has to be governor, why not you? There is no such word as “can’t”. Life is not all about the money. It’s unfair to the rest of the people around you if you aren’t doing your best at something because you don’t like what you do! Learn from life’s lessons and don’t worry about your “yesterday” – it’s not tattooed on your forehead. Lastly, each day is a gift. As you wake up realize that this day could end up being the best day of your life.
