What brought you to WYWLA?

I was at Smithfield-Selma High School for 11 years.  I found out about an opening at WYWLA and was curious enough to apply for a high school math position.  

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

The school is very organized.  Teachers are here to help young women succeed in life without a personal agenda.  The “I am successful if my students are successful” mantra really is embraced by the staff here.  I didn’t realize a place like WYWLA existed.  I’m so glad to be here.  I am enjoying my students and I appreciate and value my colleagues as well!

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

To communicate.  Communicate when you need help, when you have a question, when you want to relay some information. Communicate with your teachers, parents, and those around you.  It is through communication that you build relationships, trust, and build your story.

Where did you grow up?  What were you like as a kid? A young student? Favorite subject growing up?  Hobbies?

I grew up in a suburb of Portland, Maine and Lynchburg, VA.  As a kid I was afraid to get in trouble.  I tried real hard to do the right things.  I remember roller skating a lot and playing outside a lot. I was a very sociable kid.  As a student I did well, grades were important to me.  I worked very hard for my grades.  Reading came hard for me.   I had to work hard in courses requiring reading!  My favorite subject was math because it was easy to me and it made sense.  My hobbies included fishing, and riding my bike as a kid.

What is one fun fact about you?  

I had my second child at home because I couldn’t get to the hospital on time!  The largest fish I ever caught was a striped bass that weighed 48 lbs and measured 52 inches in the Saco River in Maine!

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Meredith College here in Raleigh! 

What music do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home?  What type of music do you listen to/prefer?  Favorite artists/ bands?  Favorite songs?

I listen to lots of audio books to and from work. As far as music is concerned, I love classic rock.  Van Morrison is my favorite.  My favorite song is The Weight by The Band.

Are you a cold weather person or a warm weather one? What is your dream vacation?

I prefer warm weather.  I would love to someday visit Egypt, but would like to vacation in Fiji.

Favorite author?  Book?  Genre?

I enjoy Jodi Picoult because she writes great fiction books.  My favorite book is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett because it goes into detail about the building of cathedrals.  The topic just fascinates me.