SC Q&A with James Low '95

My tenure at Sierra Canyon was a cherished chapter in my academic journey, and I was privileged to be a part of the inaugural Middle School class from 1993 to 1995. The experience of being a Trailblazer in the 7^th and 8^th Grades is something that I hold dear to this day.

 

After Sierra Canyon, I attended Viewpoint and Calabasas High School. I then studied at USC, Harvard Business School, and the University of San Diego School of Law. This led me to a career as a luxury residential real estate developer and running a boutique real estate hedge fund for the last several years. Recently, I transitioned to venture capital, where I now help startup companies and small businesses grow and reach their full potential.

 

My time at Sierra Canyon was a special and unforgettable experience. The teachers cared about each and every one of us and went above and beyond to ensure our success, both in the classroom and beyond. One of my fondest memories was how the administration constantly created new and exciting opportunities for us, allowing us to try new things and explore our interests. Our class, with only 20 students, felt like a tight-knit community and a training ground for the Middle School years ahead. The variety of electives offered was impressive. The ones I enjoyed the most included woodshop, fencing (with real swords!), tennis, gymnastics, speech and debate, competitive Shakespeare, and even building model cities with rocket scientists at the old Rocketdyne factory in Canoga Park. In class, we were also given the opportunity to take French, German, and Japanese all in the same year. And Sierra Canyon founder Mick Horwitz, together with a few of our teachers, even took us on a week-long trip to visit the Grand Canyon and raft down the Colorado River. I learned so much and had so much fun during my time at Sierra Canyon, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Your daughter, Alice, is now a member of Sierra Canyon’s Class of 2033. How did you know that this would be the right place for her? What has it been like to experience the Lower School through her eyes over the last few years? 

My best memories from Sierra Canyon include the friendships I made during my time there. Even to this day, I am still in touch with most of my class through social media. When we do see each other in person, it's heartwarming to see how close we remain so many years later. What was particularly striking to me was how many Sierra Canyon students, both older and younger, ended up joining me at USC later on as undergraduates. This second group of us have formed a strong bond and regularly keep in touch, whether it’s on USC's campus or at various events throughout the year. The connection between Sierra Canyon alumni truly is a special one, and I am proud to be a part of it. The SC-SC connection is real!

My time at Sierra Canyon was marked by the guidance and mentorship of a remarkable teacher, Mrs. Marcia Perlmutter. She took a special interest in me and encouraged me more than anyone else to take risks, try new things, and think about my future. Even though we didn’t see each other in person more than a handful of times after I went away to college, we remained in touch and exchanged letters and phone calls every few years until her passing last summer. I am forever grateful for her unwavering support and the impact she had on my life. I remember being so happy to spontaneously send her a photograph of me and Alice as a new student sitting in her old classroom (now 4^th Grade) a couple of years ago. It was a beautiful opportunity for us to reconnect, catch up on her retirement in Arizona, and reminisce about our shared memories. Even though she is no longer with us, her spirit and influence will always live on in the minds and hearts of her students.

 

Is there something you experienced when you were here that recent grads might find interesting?
On my thirteenth birthday, one of my friends and classmates gifted me a simple pen and paper set as a joke. While the pen was unremarkable and the paper was a small, unassuming starter set, this gag gift sparked a newfound appreciation for the art of writing and the beauty of stationery. It inspired me to begin experimenting with different types of paper and pens, and to start sending out thank-you notes. This simple habit ultimately changed my life in the most positive, unexpected, and delightful ways. It taught me the value of gratitude and the power of personal connection. Now, I often share with others the importance of investing in personalized stationery and taking the time to send handwritten thank-you notes. I encourage others to try it for a few months and see the positive impact it can have on your life.

Since nearly all Sierra Canyon graduates will soon embark on their college journey, I would like to share some valuable advice for undergraduate students. The most common mistake made by undergraduates is the lack of consideration for pursuing graduate school. Because so many first- and second-year college students do not believe they want to go to graduate school later on, they quickly and casually make important decisions about their classes and extracurricular activities that make attending graduate school more difficult later on after they learn more about what they really want for their future.

 

It's important to keep in mind that your undergraduate years are not only about obtaining a degree but also about laying the foundation for future possibilities. Learn to think. Learn to communicate well. It is crucial to maintain a strong academic standing and to approach your college career with a forward-thinking mindset, similar to how you approached your high school career. This will open up a world of opportunities and pave the way for a successful post-undergraduate school experience.

 

As someone who has had a long-standing and intergenerational relationship with Sierra Canyon, I am particularly proud to see the enduring benefits of making thoughtful and informed educational decisions early on in life. The positive culture at Sierra Canyon, which prioritizes the education of the whole person with a special emphasis on integrity, is essential to nurturing young minds and inspiring future leaders. Being a part of this legacy is an honor and it fills me with pride to share it with my daughter, Alice, and her classmates. It is a privilege to be a part of an institution that has such a profound impact on the development and growth of young individuals. Hopefully, both as an alumnus and as a parent, I can help continue to make it even better for future generations of students and families.

As an alumnus, I have a deep appreciation for the strong sense of community and tradition that Sierra Canyon holds. The memories I have from my time as a student, such as football games and other school events, are cherished and still hold a special place in my heart. And now, as a parent to a 2^nd Grade student, I am excited to see that same sense of community and tradition being passed down to the next generation. I’m particularly proud to see the dedicated teachers and staff, the fellowship between other parents, the diversity of programs and extracurricular activities, and the strong sense of school spirit all make our school incredibly special. At its core, though, it's the passionate students themselves who lead clubs and initiatives that benefit the School and the broader community. Each person in our Trailblazer family plays a vital role in creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. I am proud to be a part of this family, both as an alumnus and as a parent.

Thank you, James, for sharing your story with our Alumni community. It's comforting to know that the essence and heart of Sierra Canyon are still what makes it such a special place to learn and grow. There isn't a much better compliment than sending your own children to your alma mater, and we are proud to be part of your Trailblazer family!