Q: Why did you decide to pursue your education at Medaille?

A: My sister Gillian is also an Alum. She recommended the school to me. The small class sizes, flexible scheduling and supportive staff made the decision easy.

Q: What made you move to NYC to teach?

A: Dr. Lane, Acting Dean of the School of Education at Medaille, taught in New York City for several years. When she spoke about her experience there: the opportunities, challenges and rewards, she lit an interest in me. Without any job offers in Ontario, we [fellow classmates] decided to start cold calling schools and faxing resumes to NYC. With only one set of interviews at a single school in East Harlem, we flew to NY, giving ourselves three days to land jobs or return home. On our last day we received a call from a Principal offering all four of us jobs at the same school. In September, we will begin our second year at PS108.

Q: Describe yourself in three words.

A: Dedicated, passionate, adventurous

Q:Do you have a personal motto?

A: "Progress always involves risks; you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first."

~ Frederick B. Wilcox

Q: What inspired you to start EGSS?

A: Bilal Qureshi 08 MSED' and I were inspired by our classmates to start EGSS. Our common goal of becoming a teacher and our passion for working with children created an instant bond among us. We began organizing the Education Graduate Student Society [because] we wanted to make it easier for students like us to come together in the pursuit of educational, professional and social development.

Q: What are some things you plan on bringing to the Amherst Alumni Association Board?

A: I am a social and socially conscious person. My undergraduate studies in Social Work gave me the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people and develop community organizing skills. As an Education student and now as a teacher, I have felt motivated to use this passion to organize activities that bring people together. As a member of the Board, I am committed to organizing events for the alumni that are both inspiring and convenient. Everyone knows that the first few years of a career can be overwhelming, taking on new responsibilities while maintaining good relationships with family and friends. I see the alumni connection as an outlet to alleviate some of that stress.

Q: Describe your dream job?                                                                

A: At this point in my career, I dream of becoming a better teacher. I think teaching is a career with endless possibilities for growth. As a first-year teacher, I was mentored by a veteran teacher, Mrs. Roman. I admire the strength of her communication and organizational skills, her mastery of best practices and the depth of her knowledge of the curriculum. In addition, she is consistent, always organized and committed to meeting the needs of her children. Not a minute is wasted in her classroom. I aspire to be a teacher of this quality.

Q: What is one thing about you that few people know?

A: I was Female Athlete of the Year my senior year of high school. Being on a [sports] team had a huge influence on me growing up. I think that people who have no interest in sports can sometimes underestimate the positive impact team play can have on a child's character. My coach and teammates taught me discipline, fairness, ethics, respect, a sense of fellowship with one's competitors, how to work with others towards a shared goal and how to win or lose with integrity.

Q: One thing you want to accomplish.

A: I would like to be involved in organizing students to volunteer in community projects. I think it's important for children to take ownership of their community at a young age and begin making positive contributions. Volunteer work can teach children respect for their surroundings and themselves, gaining new perspectives on how people live and what is important to them, as well as what they can do to help others and themselves.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher and why?

A: My favorite teacher is Claudia Conway, Program Director for the Master's of Science in Education for Literacy at Medaille. I once read a book called, “A Woman's Education,” by Jill Ker Conway. Aside from the obvious connection in my teacher and the author's last name, the words on the first page instantly made me think of her. The author wrote, “If we're lucky, the places and people that can give our lives an aura of magic potential enter our experience at the right moment to sustain our dreams.” I feel lucky to have met Claudia. She is the kind of teacher that you never want to let down. She is luminescent, beaming with her love of books and excitement for teaching and learning. Even though she was incredibly busy with all of her responsibilities, she chose to take on another, helping Bilal and I get started with the Education Graduate Student Society.

Q: What is your favorite attraction in NYC?

A: My favorite attraction in New York City is Bryant Park. It has the main branch of the beautiful New York City Public Library at the back, a huge lawn with chairs to read, catch some sun or have a picnic, an outdoor restaurant and bar, and a merry-go-round! In the summer there are fairs, fashion shows, film festivals, classes and plays. In the winter there is a skating rink, holiday shopping and a gorgeous tree-lighting ceremony. Aside from the parks, I also love the Rockefeller Center; the view from the Top of the Rock is incredible, the Museums; the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History are captivating, and Broadway; going to the theatre is my absolute favorite luxury, in a city that has it all.