Interview by Daphne Tamburrini
The Falconer: Where are you from?
Ms. Drake: I was born and raised in Sharon, Mass. For the past four years I lived in South Boston, but just recently moved back with my fiance to Sharon to live with my grandmother.
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I attended Roger Williams University for ungrad where I studied Business Management and then attended Boston University where I received my master's degree in Education.
Q: Did you always want to teach? What made you realize you did?
A: I didn't realize I wanted to be a teacher until I was 26 years old. I taught dance at my local studio in high school and then I taught spin classes at my college gym, but I never thought I wanted to be an academic teacher. It took a series of events for my to realize teaching was what I wanted to do and I have never looked back!
The Falconer: Where are you from?
Ms. Drake: I was born and raised in Sharon, Mass. For the past four years I lived in South Boston, but just recently moved back with my fiance to Sharon to live with my grandmother.
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I attended Roger Williams University for ungrad where I studied Business Management and then attended Boston University where I received my master's degree in Education.
Q: Did you always want to teach? What made you realize you did?
A: I didn't realize I wanted to be a teacher until I was 26 years old. I taught dance at my local studio in high school and then I taught spin classes at my college gym, but I never thought I wanted to be an academic teacher. It took a series of events for my to realize teaching was what I wanted to do and I have never looked back!
Q: Where did you teach prior to Mashpee, if anywhere?
A: I taught 8th grade English for two years at KIPP Academy in Lynn, MA.
Q: What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Are you teaching it now?
A: My favorite subject was definitely English--go figure. I love reading and writing. I believe the possibilities are endless with writing and books open our minds to worlds outside our own. We are able to learn so much about so much and it is incredible. The world is literally at our fingertips.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching? Favorite thing to teach?
A: I love teaching because I know I am helping students get to where they want to go. At the end of the day, it's about whether or not the students learned something to be able to apply it to something else in order to move forward. I am honored every day to be part of that process.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students on how to pick a career or college?
A: DON'T SETTLE! Really think about what you want and make it happen. I went to a college my parents liked. I liked it too, it was and still is a really great school--but I didn't realize until it was too late that I would have liked somewhere else more. I applied to transfer schools but had to make the hard decision between transferring or studying abroad. I chose to stay at RWU in order to spend a semester in Ireland, and that was an incredible experience I wouldn't change for anything.
As for career, I say do what you love. Yes, money matters, but being happy matters more. We only get one life, and we should spend it doing what makes us the best versions of ourselves. I love talking about career opportunities. Before teaching I worked in Human Resources helping people obtain jobs! I'm here if you ever want to chat.
Q: Is there anything you didn't do in middle/high school that you wish you had?
A: I wish I took Spanish and took it seriously! I took French and then Latin, but never studied the way I should have. I severely regret not being able to speak a second language. At my previous school, many students and their families spoke Spanish as their first language and I wasn't able to communicate with them as well I wished I was able to. I am thinking about taking summer classes this year to learn Spanish. It's never too late to learn.
Q: How does Mashpee compare to past schools you may have taught at? Is there anything that surprised you, stood out, or that you like more than previous schools?
A: My old school had a really strong attendance of students from Dominican heritage. I was immersed in music, food, and other cultural aspects every day because my students knew how much I appreciated where they came from--and I loved every minute of it. I am so excited to learn about the local Wampanoag culture here.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add (maybe more personal than academic) Anything you think your students should know about you?
A: Only two months into teaching my first year at MMHS, but I love it here. I love coming to work every day and I look forward to our year together.
A: I taught 8th grade English for two years at KIPP Academy in Lynn, MA.
Q: What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Are you teaching it now?
A: My favorite subject was definitely English--go figure. I love reading and writing. I believe the possibilities are endless with writing and books open our minds to worlds outside our own. We are able to learn so much about so much and it is incredible. The world is literally at our fingertips.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching? Favorite thing to teach?
A: I love teaching because I know I am helping students get to where they want to go. At the end of the day, it's about whether or not the students learned something to be able to apply it to something else in order to move forward. I am honored every day to be part of that process.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students on how to pick a career or college?
A: DON'T SETTLE! Really think about what you want and make it happen. I went to a college my parents liked. I liked it too, it was and still is a really great school--but I didn't realize until it was too late that I would have liked somewhere else more. I applied to transfer schools but had to make the hard decision between transferring or studying abroad. I chose to stay at RWU in order to spend a semester in Ireland, and that was an incredible experience I wouldn't change for anything.
As for career, I say do what you love. Yes, money matters, but being happy matters more. We only get one life, and we should spend it doing what makes us the best versions of ourselves. I love talking about career opportunities. Before teaching I worked in Human Resources helping people obtain jobs! I'm here if you ever want to chat.
Q: Is there anything you didn't do in middle/high school that you wish you had?
A: I wish I took Spanish and took it seriously! I took French and then Latin, but never studied the way I should have. I severely regret not being able to speak a second language. At my previous school, many students and their families spoke Spanish as their first language and I wasn't able to communicate with them as well I wished I was able to. I am thinking about taking summer classes this year to learn Spanish. It's never too late to learn.
Q: How does Mashpee compare to past schools you may have taught at? Is there anything that surprised you, stood out, or that you like more than previous schools?
A: My old school had a really strong attendance of students from Dominican heritage. I was immersed in music, food, and other cultural aspects every day because my students knew how much I appreciated where they came from--and I loved every minute of it. I am so excited to learn about the local Wampanoag culture here.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add (maybe more personal than academic) Anything you think your students should know about you?
A: Only two months into teaching my first year at MMHS, but I love it here. I love coming to work every day and I look forward to our year together.