Meet Elisa Poplawski, who graduated from TCS in 1993. She recently returned to TCS for Alumni Career Day where she shared her career journey with our students. Elisa is currently, the CEO of her company OPTEMPO Coaching & Consulting, a certified Executive Leadership & Performance Coach, motivation speaker, and facilitator/trainer. She’s a military veteran, having served in the Navy Reserves. She served for the Department of Defense as a federal employee in various leadership positions and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was extremely rewarding for her to also have served as an inner-city teacher, school principal, and soccer coach. Elisa has 4 degrees- M.S. in Education, B.S. in Elementary Education, B.S. in Biblical Education, and A.A. in Intelligence Operations. She also works in the real estate industry, which has been a passion of hers for many years. Her and her spouse run their business together and enjoy a balanced life in Washington, D.C.
Many students resonated with her story of finding her way through the challenges of life, with several students noting that she was a favorite speaker of theirs. Let’s hear from Elisa how TCS aided in her journey to becoming who she is today.
What do you love most about TCS?
What I loved most about TCS is the commitment the staff had to their students. They were so committed and dedicated to the ministry and to us. They demonstrated the love of Christ every day.
What is one word that best describes the school? Why?
FAMILY…Being part of TCS was truly being part of a family, a family that supports you, encourages you, loves you and wants what is best for you.
Describe one of your favorite memories of TCS.
My best memories are playing Varsity Soccer with Coach Karen Bills. We learned so much about having to be disciplined, work together as a team, and be a testimony always.
From your own experience, why do you believe it was important for you to attend TCS?
I needed to be in an environment where I would be encouraged to think bigger and push myself to be better.
How are faith and learning integrated at TCS?
Faith and learning were integrated into TCS every day both through the academics and the sports. It was weaved in through and through.
In what ways did TCS prepare you for college and beyond?
I chose to go to college because of how TCS prepared me. I would not have been prepared otherwise. The work ethic and discipline I learned prepared me for success beyond high school.
What would you tell a friend to encourage them to send their child to TCS?
TCS is so worth the investment! Life is hard and everyone needs a support system to succeed. TCS is that support system. TCS lays the groundwork of faith in Christ which is the most important foundation to be built upon to navigate life, a life of faith.
What has been the most challenging part of your career?
The most challenging parts of my career were the times I worked under the leadership of poor leaders, that is what inspired me to coach and train leaders to grow in their effectiveness as leaders. That is an integral part of the company I now lead.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like most about my career are the opportunities I have had to make an impact. At the end of the day living a life of impact has been very rewarding.