Mirror Q&A: sENORA iolli

Mirror: Where are you from?

Iolli: I grew up in Brockton, but spent a majority of my childhood in Cape Cod.

M: Where did you go to college?

I: I attended undergrad at Emmanuel College, where I received a double major in Italian and Spanish. While at Emmanuel, I also attended the University of Florence in Italy and the University of Valencia in Spain. I received certificates in Italian and Spanish language and literature. Presently, I am enrolled in an additional masters of education program with a concentration in research and administration.

M: What jobs have you worked in the past?

I: When I was in highschool, I worked at Sullivan’s Donuts. I always dropped the trays of chocolate donuts and filled the jelly donuts so full that they resembled a baseball. My best friend and I directed parking for Sea Street Beach in Hyannis while we read our AP English books. In college, my friends and I worked at Friendly's. I started with french fries, but was promoted to ice cream (my favorite!!!). Alas, I was told to follow the “Friendly Way” because I made them how I liked them, which was far too large for their taste. I have also managed stores and salons for the family business. I’ve been a host for an Italian radio program.

M: What inspired you to become a teacher?

I: When I was a child, I used to make my siblings play school with me. I, of course, was always the teacher. My siblings used to refer to me as ‘Lucy from the Peanuts’- as I was rather demanding. I never planned on this career path, but I am happy to have taken it. My students inspire me daily.

M: How long have you been teaching?

I: Over 25 years.

M: Where have you taught before?

I: I taught in the public schools for about 8 years. Most of my career has been dedicated to empowering young women in private schools. Most recently, I served as a dean of students at Ursuline Academy.

M: What do you like most about teaching?

I: I have always enjoyed sharing my passions for all things Italian and Spanish with my students. Most importantly, serving as their academic advisor and providing them the tools to navigate towards success.

M: What are your pet peeves in the classroom?

I: My pet peeves are disrespectful students; students who talk insistently while I am teaching. Gum chewers as well.

M: What are your hobbies?

I: I love to cook and I’ve been submitting my videos to Food Network in hopes of gaining my own show! I love the arts: theater, ballet, opera. I enjoy spending time admiring the masterpieces in museums around the world. My favorite museum is the Uffizi gallery in Florence. I remember spending hours gazing at Botticelli's “Birth of Venus,” while I attended university. I love to travel.

M: What are your favorite books?

I: I have three:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

M: What's your favorite movie?

I: Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly, followed by The Sound of Music.

M: What's your greatest accomplishment?

I: I wrote a children's book that I am awaiting publication.

M: What's your favorite quote?

I: "Follow your own star!" - The Divine Comedy

M: What advice do you have for high school students?

I: Be creative, be courageous, be you. There's only one you, so continue to shine.