MCC Daily Tribune
MCC Proud: Meet Alumna Lauren Feldman
In recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, we are celebrating Lauren Feldman, a proud educator and Monroe Community College (MCC) alumna.
Feldman is currently living and working in Busan, South Korea, at Namsung Elementary School. Over her nearly four years there, Feldman witnessed its transition to an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
From 2010 to 2012, Feldman pursued a degree in History at MCC, citing the college’s strong reputation and its convenient distance from her hometown of Syracuse, NY.
Her passion for history began at 12 years old, when she was first introduced to World War II and the Holocaust. “I had a Social Studies teacher who fostered and encouraged my love for history,” she said. “I then began studying the Holocaust on my own throughout high school.”
Joining MCC’s Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Project (HGHRP) allowed her to learn alongside like-minded people and to meet and interview survivors. In fact, Feldman’s fondest memories at MCC are from her time with HGHRP.
“Through this project, I was able to build friendships with wonderful people. Our trip to Washington, D.C. and the Holocaust Memorial Museum led to future opportunities and workshops that I would come to attend.”
She also credits Student Life & Leadership Development Director Jodi Oriel for having such a positive impact on her life. Feldman said, “She was such an influential person during my time at MCC. She provided endless opportunities for personal and academic growth and always supported our passions. I am proud to have worked with Jodi.”
After graduating from MCC, she completed her bachelor’s degree in History at St. John Fisher College and her master’s degree in Education from Roberts Wesleyan College.
“Teaching in South Korea came about during a time of immense change in my life,” said Feldman. “Having just recently earned my master’s degree, the opportunity to teach in South Korea appeared as if out of thin air and at the time I needed it most.”
While she only planned to stay and teach for one year, Feldman fell in love with the country and its culture. “Now coming up on seven years, I have a wonderful job working with incredible people,” she said.
According to Feldman, living in South Korea has both its challenges and rewards. “Everyone has a different experience living here,” she explained. “For me, I was able to discover my passion for Latin dance and through this, meet new friends and my current partner. South Korea offers such incredibly different and delicious foods; there is always something new to try.”
She added that her life has settled into a comfortable rhythm. “I go to a job I love and come home to a place that has become home to me. On the weekends, I find myself traveling to new places and exploring this beautiful country.”
Recently, Feldman was promoted to assistant curriculum director at her school. “I plan to continue to work on developing my school’s curriculum and becoming a better IB Primary Years Programme teacher,” she said.
Today, Feldman brings her MCC experience full circle by incorporating lessons from the HGHRP Annual Walk for Water into her classroom, helping students raise funds for Water for South Sudan. Feldman incorporated A Long Walk to Water into the curriculum, inspiring students to design their own schoolwide fundraiser. Students completed chores at home, earned money, and donated their proceeds to Water for South Sudan.
Read the International Baccalaureate article highlighting the school’s fundraiser.
When asked what advice she would give current MCC students, Feldman said, “…follow your passions no matter where they take you. Don’t be afraid to break away from the traditional expectations placed on you or your career path. If I had, I wouldn’t be living this wonderful life.”
Image Caption: Lauren Feldman wearing an orange dress and standing next to a railing while smiling at the camera.
Attached Files:
Lauren Feldman.jpg
Courtney Weimar
Community Relations
05/04/2026