Ms. Utting Interview November, 2nd, 2020

What made you choose NEST+m?

I was looking for a new school in New York City, and it was important for me to find a school that had a strong sense of community. I wanted to be in a place where people were lifting each other up. I found that at NEST.

When did you decide you wanted to be a teacher?

During my senior year of college, I had an advisor, and part of his job was to help me plan for the future, but I had no idea I wanted to go to grad school. I ended up working in higher needs communities as a teacher in New York City. I ended up getting a teaching fellowship and got placed in the Bronx. I worked there for seven years. 

What is one thing students should know about you?

I really, really just want kids to succeed. I believe in having high expectations in yourself and others. I want everyone to support each other to meet those expectations. 

Why do you like teaching English? 

You can read or write about anything. I really like English class in particular because it is something you will keep with you forever. The longer I have taught, the less I see myself as an English teacher, and the more I think about myself as a “life” teacher.   

What was the most transformative novel you have ever read? 

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.

It's not a novel. It’s narrative nonfiction. I remember reading that book and being so totally aware of the writer’s intentions. I felt like I understood how Truman Capote manipulated the narrative to lead the reader to a certain conclusion, and, to me, that was such an art--using every word and example of figurative language to create a purpose.

Where did you go to college?

I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I went to the University of Colorado. I went to Hunter College for graduate school. 

Do you have a favorite sports team?  

I went to a football college, so my team is the Buffalos. I have also always been a Cowboys fan, and, fun fact, I won 800 dollars from a Super Bowl lottery when I was eight years old.