From Chapin's Yearbook to Fitness Magazine

Chapin alumna Betty Wong Ortiz ’90 still vividly remembers how magical it felt to open the newly printed yearbook in the spring of 1990. While others undoubtedly enjoyed opening the issue, the occasion was particularly special to her because she had spent the year as the yearbook’s editor. Ms. Wong Ortiz, who attended Chapin from grades 7 through 12 and is now Editor-in-Chief at Fitness magazine, shared her fond memories with the girls in Upper School as their special guest at News.

It was a trip with Chapin to visit the offices of Elle magazine that first sparked Ms. Wong Ortiz’s interest in publishing, she said. Her interest piqued, she went on from Chapin, and her role as yearbook editor, to graduate from Cornell University with a degree in communications. Ms. Wong Ortiz then worked in the editorial departments of McCall’s, Redbook, American Baby, Parents, Working Mother, Ladies’ Home Journal and Family Circle before joining Fitness.

Chapin, Ms. Wong Ortiz explained, had done much to shape her, and provided her with invaluable skills that she continues to use today. With that, she shared with the girls those traits and skills she deems the “secrets of her success.”

Ms. Wong Ortiz encouraged the students to find their passion and to “bring it with them every day.” She urged them to be hand-raisers and to contribute to conversations when they have something to say; prodded them to be willing to experiment and explore, whether with a project in art class or a self-choreographed dance, as she had at Chapin; and urged them to be resourceful and enterprising when solving problems, a skill that will prove to be important throughout their lives. With regard to writing, Ms. Wong Ortiz suggested that they choose every word carefully. “Your words should work hard for you,” she explained.

The girls listened carefully as Ms. Wong Ortiz offered her final word of advice, which was for them to take advantage of internships. These, she stressed, would better prepare them for the working world.

Hoping to mine more from their inspiring speaker, the girls eagerly began asking questions.