TC: What made you want to return back to Notre Dame?
EB: So many things, but I will keep it short by saying, I have always wondered if it was the right decision to leave. The only reason I left was because my career was really built around being a medical sign language interpreter and so I left the hospital where I was working to take a break…but I always felt like I was supposed to go back to doing what I went to college for…and I have missed this place every day since, and I really manifested coming back….I’m just so glad to be here. I will never, ever let this go again; the feeling is incredible. I just love it here.
TC: What do you hope your students can get to know about you right away?
EB: I hope they know about me right away that I’m not scary [and] I don’t want to embarrass anyone. That’s not my style of classroom etiquette…and [that] I am open. I also have high expectations we’ll all get there together…sign language can be very vulnerable because you have to do things in front of people, but I want everyone to know they’re safe. They’re always safe when they’re in my room.
TC: How would you describe your philosophy or teaching style? Do you think it’s changed since the last time you were here?
EB: …when I was here the first time, I hadn’t ever taught before, and so I really thought…this is how you do things, and I would change things if they weren’t working. I almost had too little structure in some ways, and in some ways too much. I think this time, [almost] 10 years later, I’m really excited to know that everyone learns different ways, and that there’s enough variety in class, [so] we can kind of hit everybody’s learning style. My superpower is my ADHD, and it’s also a challenge and so I’m always able to adapt to something if it doesn’t work, and I’m also able to stick to what does. I’m excited about the flow of class and having the students walk in and know exactly what’s gonna happen, and have fun while we do it.
TC: Is there something you’re looking forward to this school year?
EB: Yes, I’m a huge Aquacades fan. I was the chair towards the end while I was here, and so I love all things Aquacades…I can’t wait till the opening rally, I [also] love mock trial and sitting in. Also, every once in a while, I am a dance teacher at another high school, and so [sometimes], Miss Loren lets me moonlight and sub a class for her…And, just meeting all of you guys, all the girls and the amazing staff. I’m looking forward to a million things.
