How long have you taught at Southern Lee High School?
"11 years."
What college did you attend? What made you choose it?
"East Carolina University. My mother, my grandmother and several aunts went there. My grandmother went when it was called East Carolina Teaching College and was an English teacher."
What’s your favorite team? Who do you support outside of the Cavaliers?
"Any team my children play for and the East Carolina Pirates."
What’s the last show you binge-watched?
"School Spirit."
What kind of driver were you when you got your license?
"Let's just say I had to replace a lot of side mirrors. Those poor mailboxes never saw me coming."
What song do you hear that puts you back in your Senior year of high school?
Gnarls Barkley's - "Crazy,"
Do you run and hide or greet with a smile when you see your students around town?
"Greet them with a smile. I go out of my way to say HOLA to them."
Inspirational quote?
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
What staff member (other than a science teacher) would you want for your lab partner?
"I would choose Ms. Wibalda as my lab partner because she is hardworking and always follows through. She also always takes the initiative to learn anything she doesn’t already know or ask for help if needed."
What song do you know all of the lyrics to?
"Someday from Zombies. My daughter is obsessed."
Think back about your favorite teacher. Who was it and what grade/subject did they teach? List a few qualities or attributes they have.
"My curriculum assistance teacher who helped me believe no goal was unreachable."
Beach or mountains? Vacation destination? Where do you dream of being outside of work?
"Beach"
Any pets?
"One cat. Normally a dog person but our family passed and we are waiting for the kids to get a little older to get another one."
What’s on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish?
"Travel to Spain."
If you had $5,000 to give to a charity, where would you send the money?
"I would put it towards scholarships to help someone access education."
In how many languages can you say “hello”?
"4 languages."
What three things would you take on a desert island? (other than a boat)
"My three children."
What advice would you give a parent who is a freshman?
"See the bigger picture and try not to stress the small stuff. Be there and always encourage them to do their best."
How did you approach learning/studying your worst subject in high school/college?
"I was the student who had to memorize everything. I would write out facts and rewrite them until I mastered the material."
What was your first job? Where did you work? Duties?? Pay?
"My first job was at Glenaire. A retirement home in Cary. I worked the dinner shift in the dining room throughout high school and loved hearing their many stories and life lessons. I made $6.00 an hour."
What’s something special you do for your mental health? Relax and unwind?
"I spend time with my children, who always find a way to make me laugh."
If you didn’t immediately seek a career in education, what was that spark?
"I volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico, and I realized I could make a difference."
Anything else to get to know you any better?
"I am a twin. My twin brother passed away when I was 12, but his life taught me what truly matters and reminded me how short life can be. I lived in Mexico and took classes there and lived with a host family and it was one of the best experiences. If you ever think about traveling abroad, do it. You will not regret it."
How do you show Cav Pride?
"I try to go to as many events as I can from sporting events to award nights, etc. I love seeing the student’s talents outside the classroom. My kids and I have attended almost every theater show and now my kids love theater, it has become our tradition."
