When Rose Donahue, a Springside graduate in the Class of 2011, set out to become a film actress, she knew she would be facing long odds. Now, more than a decade after leaving Springside, she returned this week to talk with students and faculty about her journey as an actress, producer, and director. Donahue’s most recent project, Decision—a short that she co-directed and co-wrote with her creative partner Guillermo E. Barahona C. and in which she also appears—is slated for the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (taking place May 28 - June 9). The film explores the choices undocumented immigrants face as they try to resolve their immigration status in the United States.
Previously, Donahue and Barahona C. collaborated on another short, Moe, in which Donahue also appears, that was screened for students and faculty during her visit. Her discussion included how she became involved in sharing stories about the Latino experience, and how her career has directed her through her journey to allyship. “Respect and kindness is always the way to go,” she shared, “in life, and on a film set.”
So, remember those long odds we mentioned? Rose has taken them in stride and credits her success to her education. At Springside, she played varsity sports, participated in Players, served as co-captain of the robotics team, and was head tour guide for the Admissions Office her senior year. She then enrolled at the first historically women's college in the U.S., Mount Holyoke College. “I credit my success to the liberal arts education I received through high school and college. I was encouraged to be curious and ask questions starting at a young age. That training is invaluable,” she says.
To follow Rose’s journey you can connect with her on Instagram at @rosedonahue_
[Main Image] Rose is pictured here with history teacher David Salmanson (left) who helped facilitate her visit and former Head of Middle School Marilyn Tinari who returned to SCH to reconnect with her Springside student.