Alumni Spotlight

Why did your family choose Kennedy for your education?

My parents chose Kennedy for both me and my brother (Patrick ’00) for its Catholic values and academic excellence.

What is your favorite Kennedy memory?

I cannot possibly choose one. I have a thousand warm memories all rooted in the fact that I was part of a beautiful community at Kennedy. I grew up with at least 15 sets of parents, teachers who both challenged and supported me, spiritual leaders who nourished me, and loyal friends who walked alongside me.  Everyone says Kennedy is like a family because it is true!

Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you?

My teachers at Kennedy were second to none. They prepared me well for college, my graduate work, and the career I ultimately pursued.  I want to list each and every one of them here and thank them for their patience, their dedication, and their high expectations. I will single out Mrs. Prebish who continues to be--nearly 30 years later-- one of the greatest influences on my life. She showed me what I am capable of, which I think is the most valuable gift a teacher can give a student. She set the bar high, and as a writer and educator myself now, I try to make her proud in everything I do.

Post High School Education/Professional Experience.

After graduating from Kennedy, I went on to study English at Miami University and was also fortunate enough to study at the University of Barcelona before I moved on to graduate school at New York University. 

What career did you choose and tell us a little bit about how you got there.

After some off-the-path (but instructive and fun) adventures in New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas, I landed at Kent State University, where I’ve been teaching English for the last 15 years.  

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of various writing projects I’ve worked on, but I am most fulfilled by being a mother to my nine-year-old daughter, Dahlia (’33), who is now in fourth grade at the lower campus, happily sandwiched between my niece, Celine (’34), and my nephew, Parker (’32).

What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior?

Sorry, but I have a list: 

1. Figure out your principles and stand strong on them, along with your faith. The world tends to seemingly reward the wrong things. Don’t fall for this.  There are few things more painful than betraying yourself to please the world. 
2. Choose carefully what you commit your time and energy to and then strive for excellence in it. Anything you decide is worth doing is worth doing well. 
3. Show up.
4. Read!  
5. You are younger than you think, and you have time to figure things out. At 46, I’m just starting to feel like maybe I (mostly) know what I’m doing.