Q. How long have you been at ETHS, and how did you get here?
A. I work at the front desk of the ETHS Main Office, and I’ve been here for 27 years. I’m a fourth generation ETHS alumna. I found out from a friend that ETHS was looking for a secretary, so I applied for the position and got it. I knew that I wanted to work close to home, and I love the ETHS spirit, so it was the perfect fit. I just love my job, and that hasn’t changed.
Q. Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?
A. I’m proud of how I’ve been able to help students, like with being able to graduate. There were a couple of students who were at risk of not graduating because of No Credits, and I helped get them waived. Now, these students contribute to the Evanston community, and one even came back as a student teacher at ETHS. I think advocating for students is pretty important.
Q. How has your role at ETHS influenced your perspective over the years?
A. Being a secretary allowed me to become a better communicator and be patient as a parent. I also feel like being at ETHS has kept me young because I’m around so many students!
Q. What has been the most rewarding moment of your ETHS journey?
A. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated educators, passionate students and caring staff members I could ever imagine. The relationships I’ve built over the years have meant a lot to me.
Q. What are your plans for retirement, and do you plan to stay connected with the community?
A. I’ve always been connected to the community through Fleetwood Jourdain and the Levy Center, and I go to community events. In terms of my plans for retirement, I hope to spend more time with my husband and my family and do some traveling. I’m just happy and grateful to be able to retire.
Q. Do you have any advice for students as they navigate their academic journeys?
A. In my opinion, ETHS is like a college-prep school. Anything that you need to take to be college-ready is here, and if we don’t have it, we’ll figure out a way to meet the need. If you take advantage of everything that’s here, you’ll be successful in life. Getting involved with clubs is also important because they make a difference in coming to school, wanting to stay in school and staying focused.
Q. What have you learned from students?
A. I’ve learned to listen to students. We’ve all been through things, and we just need to talk to each other.
Q. What is the most surprising or unexpected thing that you have learned about yourself at ETHS?
A. It’s hard to believe that I am where I am. To start with nothing and end up as an Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction is an accomplishment.
