| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | The first one that comes to mind happened when I was 3. We were at a restaurant and Wynonna Judd's "No One Else on Earth" started playing on the sound system. I'm not sure what came over me, but I started belting out the lyrics and the other patrons had a riot. At that moment I realized how much I like to be outgoing and an entertainer. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | This would easily be my mother. We both share numerous traits and mannerisms. Beyond the superficial, a high percentage of our values align greatly. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | Empathy first comes to mind. I appreciate when people can disassociate from their own biases and strive to connect with others. Pragmatism is another trait I find admirable. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | It was Disney day for our school's spirit week, and I felt obliged to uphold my reputation as the most spirited teacher. I taught class fully decked out in a giant Winnie the Pooh onesie costume. The kids found it hilarious but still knew to focus and behave for the day. One child though did not meet this expectation and I intervened by talking to them out in the hall. This middle school student was very short relative to my height, so I had to take a knee to look them in the eye and emphasize the "seriousness" of the situation. Without context this was completely lost on my coworkers who were passing by. They told me later that the juxtaposition of my face's sternness and the imagery of the costume was ridiculous. Later I reenacted the situation to another coworker and once again got down on one knee in front of her to really paint the scene. I'm still wearing the costume at this point the substitute teacher walks by to witness this. Her immediate response was to ask my coworker "Are you Mrs. Pooh?” I busted out laughing and finally accepted not being taken seriously while dressed as Winnie the Pooh. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | Though unorthodox, my answer is always space. If I was highly intent on traveling to any single location on earth, I would most likely be able to do so. The novelty of being able to travel beyond our atmosphere intrigues me. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | My sense of optimism and positivity has helped greatly through the years. I also would like my children to value selflessness and altruism. When we strive to help others, we achieve something greater than our individual selves. Finally, a sense humor helps bring levity to even the toughest of situations. |
