Alumni Spotlight: Sebastian Pakciarz ‘21
Sebastian Pakciarz’s ’21 Gulliver story is one of curiosity, challenge, and a willingness to keep exploring. Having spent nearly his entire childhood at Gulliver, the school holds a special place in Sebastian’s heart, shaped by the people, experiences, and milestones that came with growing up here. From competing in athletics and discovering new interests at Gulliver to studying across three universities, serving in Ghana, beginning a career in sales, and training for his first full Ironman, his path has been anything but linear. Through it all, he has carried forward a mindset shaped by his years at Gulliver: put yourself out there, stay open to possibility, and keep growing.
What are you up to these days?
This summer, I spent a month on a mission trip in a remote village in Ghana, where I had the opportunity to teach at a local school. It was an experience that gave me a completely different perspective on life and service. Now, I’m beginning my professional career in sales at Marsh McLennan Agency in Miami. Outside of work, endurance sports are a huge part of my life. I’ve competed in a handful of Half Ironman 70.3 races, and I’m currently training for my first full Ironman 140.6 in a couple of months.
What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how has your path evolved?
My path definitely hasn’t been linear. After Gulliver, I spent one year at Brandeis University, one year at Tulane University, and my final two years at the University of Miami, where I studied Journalism and Communication Studies. You could say I got a little taste of everything along the way.
Moving between different schools, cities, and environments exposed me to a lot of different people and perspectives. I’ve always been interested in communication, building relationships, and connecting with people, which ultimately led me toward a career in sales and insurance. I’m still very early in my career, and I’m excited to see where that foundation takes me.
Was there something you learned at Gulliver—inside or outside the classroom—that’s made an impact on your life?
One of the biggest things Gulliver taught me was the value of putting yourself out there and getting involved. Being surrounded by so many different opportunities from such a young age taught me to be curious, creative, and willing to try things, even when I wasn’t sure where they would lead.
That mindset has stayed with me. I spent a summer in New York doing stand-up comedy, started freelancing in videography for UFC fighters I met, and have tried plenty of different side hustles and interests along the way. I think Gulliver encouraged both creativity and education—not just following one predetermined path, but being curious enough to explore different ones.
Are there any Gulliver teachers or coaches who positively influenced you?
Mrs. Greenberg, my fourth-grade teacher, is someone who has always stood out to me. Her motto was “Always exceed expectations,” and that has stuck with me long after leaving her classroom. It’s a simple idea, but one I still try to carry into my work, athletics, and life today.
What clubs, sports, or extracurriculars were you involved in at Gulliver Prep, and how did they influence you?
Sports were a huge part of my Gulliver experience. In eighth grade, I competed on the high school track team and made it to states, running a 4:31 in the 1500 meters. After that, I focused primarily on soccer. We won the state championship my junior year and returned to the state final my senior year, where we came up short. I eventually went on to play soccer in college.
Those experiences shaped my competitive mindset and taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the value of consistent work—lessons that still influence how I approach my career and endurance sports today.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Gulliver Prep?
It’s almost impossible for me to choose one memory because I attended Gulliver from Pre-K3 through 12th grade. I essentially grew up there and experienced so many of life’s firsts within that community—my first great mentor, my first crush, my first best friends, my first big wins, and my first tough losses. I went through just about every emotion there.
When I look back at Gulliver, I don’t think of one particular moment as much as I think of an entire childhood and all the people and experiences that shaped who I am today.
What has been one of your proudest moments?
One of my proudest moments was running my first full marathon at 18 years old. Taking on something that demanding at a young age showed me what I was capable of when I fully committed myself to a goal. That experience sparked a love for endurance challenges that I still carry with me today.
What advice would you give to current students?
Don’t be in such a rush to have everything figured out. Try things, fail at things, change your mind, and talk to people you normally wouldn’t. Take advantage of the opportunities and people around you. Your path after Gulliver probably won’t unfold exactly the way you imagine it will—and that can actually be a really good thing.
What excites you most abut Gulliver’s Centennial and its future?
What excites me most is how many opportunities future students will have to discover what they’re passionate about. The world is changing incredibly quickly, and education has to evolve with it. Giving students access to new technology, great teachers, athletics, and experiences beyond the traditional classroom can prepare them not just for college, but for a world that will look very different in another 10 or 20 years.
As the school grows, what’s most important about honoring Gulliver’s history?
Growth is important, but I think the people and relationships that built Gulliver should always remain at the center of its identity. Buildings, technology, and programs will change, but generations of students, teachers, coaches, families, and alumni are what created the culture. Honoring that history while continuing to evolve allows Gulliver to move forward without losing what made it special.
How do you stay connected with, and support, Gulliver, and why is it important?
As a relatively recent graduate, I’m still figuring out what being an active alumnus looks like for me. Opportunities like this are a great way to begin reconnecting. Gulliver was part of my life for nearly my entire childhood, and I think there’s real value in staying connected, sharing our experiences with younger students, and eventually giving back to the community that helped shape us.
