Editor’s Note: The Olivian will interview a new OA staff member each day for the next week.
Q: What are your thoughts on the rules this year?
A: So far, so good. While I was a little nervous about the no cell phone rule – I like it a lot. I didn’t realize how attached to my phone I was, and it’s allowed me to be a lot more present in the places I am. Overall, everyone seems really respectful of all of the rules in place – I would bet that’s why the community here is such a strong one.
Q: What is your role here at Oliver Ames?
A: I am a School Counselor aka Guidance Counselor. I do a lot of different things – my role revolves around helping advocate for whatever students need in order to learn at their best. I help plan around academics, I help support students socially and emotionally, and ultimately it’s my job to be the student’s partner in helping them reach their academic goals (whatever they are). My favorite part of it all is the college and career process.
Q: Who got you to where you are today?
A: I started as a Science teacher, but found myself helping 12th grade students with college applications during all of my free blocks. When I realized that I liked helping students with college stuff more than I liked Science, I quickly jumped into the world of college counseling. I spent most of my career in New York City doing college counseling, but after a few years, I realized that college/career is only a small piece of the puzzle. Students need a whole lot of support, help, and advocacy getting to that point – and I wanted to be a part of that. I went back to school to become a full-blown School Counselor, which allows me to help students from the start of high school to the very end. And here I am!
Q: What is your favorite fun fact about yourself?
A: I was on the field for Tom Brady’s last game as a Patriot. I snuck down to field level in the 3rd quarter, and I regret nothing.
Q: If you could be any animal what animal would you be and why?
A: Probably a shark. Swimming around and eating all day sounds pretty nice. They also live for 300+ years – it’s crazy to think of all the things they have seen in their lifetime.
Q:Do you have any thoughts on the school in general that you would like to add?
A: It’s been awesome so far. This is such a wonderful community and I’m so happy to be a part of it. Thank you for all the warm welcomes – I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you!