Each Friday we are introducing one of our outstanding Osprey faculty/staff members. This week we are pleased to introduce Mrs. Pearson, a 6th Grade Science Teacher.
Who is your role model, and why?
My grandfather is my ultimate role model. Being a child of an immigrant, and working hard to go to Yale and become a naval officer, he is living proof you can do anything with hard work.
What things do you not like to do?
I really, truly do not like to go to popular music concerts or venues with large crowds.
What’s your superpower?
My superpower is energy. You are only as old as you feel and the key is to put a smile on your face and keep MOVING!
What’s your spirit animal?
My spirit animal is a Miniature Pincer (dog). Wakes up in a good mood with a crazy amount of energy, but when she shuts it down, she wants to climb all the way under the sheets and huddle up until it’s time to get up!
What are you reading right now?
I am reading a series of Book Shots, short novels by James Patterson
Who was your favorite teacher?
My favorite teacher was Ms. Wykoff. She was my junior year English teacher. She related to us on such a personal level, while still having high expectations of our work and character.
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because it worked with my lifestyle and I felt as though I could actually do something productive with my knowledge. My kids go to this school, and I wanted to be a part of the positive changes I saw happening at Oak Hammock!
Can you play any instruments?
I grew up playing instruments. I can still kind of play the piano, I can play tenor recorder, flute and my absolute favorite is English Handbells.
What are your goals?
My goals are to be the best I can be. I want to be the best mom, the best wife, the best Science Teacher, the best friend and the best person I can be.
What is the strangest talent you have?
The strangest talent I have is the ability to spot a misbehavior from across the room. It comes from years of watching for injuries on an athletic field, but I can spot a kid misbehaving from across the room, and I hear all of the comments the kids think I don’t.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Three things still left on my bucket list are: 1. To visit England and Scotland. 2. To take my kids on a plane and take them skiing. 3. To see the Grand Canyon.
Tell us about your family.
My family is the best part of my life. I have a husband who works very hard as a Physical therapist and Athletic Trainer. My son is in 4th grade at the Oak and plays a mean game of soccer. My daughter is a 2nd grader here and she spends all of her free time training to be an awesome gymnast. They are kind and caring and beautiful people.
Do you have any pets?
I have a yellow lab named Sophie who is old and tired of all of us. I have a 14 year old 8lb cat named Titan. We figured if she was going to be little, she needed a big name. The most recent addition is Pickles, the Min-pin dog, who is crazy and cuddly and dumb all at once.
What is the favorite part of your day?
My favorite part of the day is right before school starts. I am excited to see what the day holds, and I am ready for any of it!
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?
I would be 32 years old forever. I had all of my people at that time, felt young and healthy and still felt like I had my whole life of possibility ahead of me.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
I would love to have met John Adams, the second president of the United States. I imagine the pressure on him was immense as the second president, but he came from a noble and responsible family, even raising the 6th president, his son.
What are your 5 favorite foods?
My 5 favorite foods are 1. Diet coke 2. Tacos! 3. Strawberry Salad 4. Cheese- any kind 5. Sweets (like cheesecake!)
Before working at Oak Hammock, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Before working at Oak Hammock, I was a Certified Athletic Trainer, which means that for years I got to see athletes in the training room, fixing their injuries and getting them better, and the rest of my job was to go to athletic practices and games and make sure no one got hurt. It’s a pretty amazing job when you get paid to watch sports all day!
If you could switch your job with anyone else within Oak Hammock, whose job would you want?
If I could switch with anyone at Oak Hammock it would be Ms. Hutchison, a kindergarten teacher. I am not qualified to teach kindergarten, but those munchkins sure are adorable!
What are three words to describe Oak Hammock?
Better. Every. Day.
What do you like most about Oak Hammock?
I like the feeling of community and positivity. We are all on the same team with a common goal and that makes it feel very comfortable to be here.
What is your proudest moment at Oak Hammock?
I was most proud when I was asked to be part of the Oak Hammock family.
What were you like in school?
In school, I was an overachieving goody two shoes. A complete rule follower until I hit college, then I was the class clown.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Illegitimi non carborundum” It means “don’t let the outlaws get you down!”
What are three words that best describe you?
Energetic, positive and optimistic.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to spend time outside. I enjoy being outside, but always seem to “not have” spare time.
What is your favorite sport/team?
The Florida Gators, of course.
Where is your hometown?
I was born in Albany, NY but raised in Florida.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
When I was 17, I traveled around Europe with two friends seeing everything. That was absolutely the trip of a lifetime.
You’re happiest when?
I am happiest when I choose to be. J
Check back next week when we introduce you to another Outstanding Osprey Educator!