Interview by: Zoe Farren
Q: Where did you go to college? What was your major?
A: I went to undergrad at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, UMass Amherst, and then, I went to graduate school at the University of Miami, Florida.
Q: Where did you grow up? Any favorite childhood memories?
A: I grew up in Harwich, on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. My favorite childhood memory, probably, we took a trip to Aruba, it was a family trip, and I went with family friends, and they had been to Aruba many times before. So they were friends with all of the natives, so we were able to do lots of fun activities for free, it was really nice. So we went scuba diving for fun, hung out at the beach, so that was my favorite childhood memory.
Q: Where did you go to college? What was your major?
A: I went to undergrad at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, UMass Amherst, and then, I went to graduate school at the University of Miami, Florida.
Q: Where did you grow up? Any favorite childhood memories?
A: I grew up in Harwich, on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. My favorite childhood memory, probably, we took a trip to Aruba, it was a family trip, and I went with family friends, and they had been to Aruba many times before. So they were friends with all of the natives, so we were able to do lots of fun activities for free, it was really nice. So we went scuba diving for fun, hung out at the beach, so that was my favorite childhood memory.
Q: What kind of sports did you play growing up? College sports?
A: So I played all sports growing up, like I learned how to play all sports growing up, but in high school, I played field hockey, basketball, and I ran track in the spring. Then, in college I played field hockey.
Q: What do you like about being a math teacher? Why did you pick to become a math teacher?
A: I like that I get to work with kids everyday. When I was a kid growing up, I struggled in math, so I liked that I was able to teach kids something that I had a hard time in, and to do something that I feel helps the world. I think teaching is the best and one of the most important professions on the universe.
Q: I know you've recently had a baby, how has he been? How old is he? What's his name?
A: He’s great! My baby’s name is James, James the Fourth after his dad and grandparents. He’s 4 months now, I had him on November 11, 2016. Right now he’s about to start eating baby cereal, so he gets to start trying vegetables and fruit, which is really exciting! It’s so cute. He can hold himself up, right now, so he can like sit in a seat, which is really, sounds not a big deal, but it’s so cool. It’s so neat, such a beautiful thing! I’m just loving being a mom!
Q: How is life as a new parent? What's easy about it? What's hard about it?
A: It has been a roller coaster. It’s been a learning process because James and I have never done this before, so we’re still learning a lot, kind of learning as we go, and asking lots of questions from other moms and dads, but I’m loving it. Everyday is different, so it’s a lot of fun!
Q: When did you decide on becoming a teacher? Was it something you grew up wanting to do?
A: No, I had no idea honestly of what I was going to do with my life until I was a senior in college. I joined a program called Teach for America and I taught in a low income community in Florida. That’s when I fell in love for teaching.
Q: If you could describe yourself in just three words, how would you describe yourself? Why?
A: Happy, kind, and hardworking. I don’t know, those are the three words that come to mind. I think not only am I naturally a positive, happy person, but I try really hard everyday to make a conscious effort to be happy. I mean honestly a lot of the students have told me that I’m kind. Hardworking, I’ve made a conscious effort to work hard my entire life. I think that’s a big part of my life and in my success, is working hard at everything I do.