This week's Staff Spotlight goes to School Counselor, Lucy Chapman!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Like many others, I was inspired by one of my own teachers while I was growing up. His job was to teach me biology, which he did very well! But most importantly, he taught me what it looked like to invest one's time and energy into helping others learn and grow. He showed me true kindness and gave me the support that I needed to find success. I watched him pour those same things into other students and saw that we were all better off for having had his guidance. I hope to provide that same love and support to my students!
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I have lots of favorites, including: the fact that they have little to no filter and don't mind telling you that your hair looks crazy (for example); the lightbulb moments - when you can see them grasping a concept you've been working hard to teach them; and their pure hearts and precious love for everyone around them. It continually motivates me to be the best person I can be.
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing?
I would likely be doing something in travel journalism. I love to write and traveling is my passion, so to combine the two would be an absolute dream job!
4. What’s one thing you love most about our school community?
This will sound cheesy, but I am a counselor, so feelings matter to me - I love the love in our school community! We really are a family and we come together to celebrate each other's successes and support each other in times of need.
5. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year?
I love watching the Meadow View Singers' Christmas program! It brings everyone so much joy and it is so much fun!
6. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Something that is surprising to a lot of people - I have a fear of flying and it causes me great anxiety...but I fly anyway!
7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I've been to lots of cool places, but my number one bucket-list travel destination is South Africa. I love to meet people from different cultures in order to learn about people who are different from myself and the customs they practice. I truly believe that traveling far and wide is the best way to open one's eyes to the beauty of the world and to the value of other cultures, religions, and customs. The land, the people, the scenery, and the wildlife in South Africa have a great deal to teach me, I just know it!
8. What’s a food you can never say no to?
Anything with cheese!