Q: How long have you been teaching French at Southport, and why?
A: I have been at Southport High School since 2009, and my why is that I love French, and I love students. And it’s always been my passion to work with young individuals, and it’s been a privilege to work here with all the diverse students we have. And I’ve enjoyed my time. But also, I’m ready for the next chapter of my story and to pursue new passions and interests and spend time with my family.
Q: Where did your love for French originate?
A: I started taking French in school, like most of the students here. I went to Ben Davis Junior High, so Wayne Township. So I started studying probably at the age of 12. I continued into college. I studied abroad. And I just loved learning language. I studied Spanish as well. And I just knew that I wanted to do something with the language and share the passion with others
Q: What was your favorite memory from teaching at SHS?
A: …That’s a hard one because everyday is so different, and you never know what you’re going to walk into and encounter with students… I can’t pick just one. I don’t think I can just choose one. But when students thank me for when something clicks, when they thank me for teaching them, for being kind and for being patient. Those are the moments that stand out.
Q: How do you feel leaving your students behind?
A: It’s always sad. When you leave, there’s never really a good time. You’re always going to be sad for those students that you’ll no longer see everyday.
Q: How would you describe your connection to the Foreign Language Department in general?
A: Here at SHS, for the most part, I have some wonderful friends that we’ve just developed a relationship over the past 15 years…I hope to continue those friendships.
Q: How did your co-workers respond to the news of your retirement?
A: It wasn’t a secret, so most of them knew that I was planning to leave…So it wasn’t a surprise to any of them. And mostly, they’re happy for me.
Q: Can I ask whether or not you planned to leave in the middle of the school year, and why? Was it more impulsive, or was there a lot of consideration to this thought?
A: There was a lot of consideration. So I have been considering retiring for about three years now, and it was my intention to leave in May at the end of the school year. However, there were some family considerations. And I needed to support a family member, my mom, who’s a full-time caregiver. And (there were) some travel opportunities that wouldn’t really work around our breaks. So it just made more sense to leave at semester early.
Q: What do you plan or hope to accomplish in your retirement stage?
A: Well, I plan to focus on myself and my family. I’m going on a yoga retreat at the end of January. So I’m looking forward to spending time with friends and then just family over the holidays and in the upcoming years.
