Saturday, April 30, 2016

Count down to 10 year reunion: Joanna Pushee

 
Joanna with friends at Strawberries and Champagne in 2006


Where do you live? Boston, MA

What's keeping you busy these days?
Working in the writing center at a community college, teaching English to adult learners, baking, and taking a watercolor class

10 years ago I never would have imagined....
...I'd be watching American football and enjoying it; that I'd have a Master of Arts in TESOL and that I'd have designed a curriculum for English Language Learners in a Medical Assistant program in California

Are you coming to Reunion?
Yes

What's are you looking forward to?
Taking a walk around Upper Lake, sitting on a blanket outside under the trees, catching up with good friends, and stopping by the Thirsty Min.

I've been listening to 50 Cent, Outkast, The Strokes, The Bravery, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, as a means of preparing for my return to campus. #MeadBasement #IronHorseMusicHall #NoHo

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Count down to 10 year Reunion: Sara Marruffo

Rosa Marruffo (2011) in the middle, Sara Marruffo (2006) on the right.

Where do you live? Portland, OR

What's keeping you busy these days?
Teaching middle school Spanish and taking ballet for adult beginners.

10 years ago I never would have imagined....
...that I would rupture my right Achilles tendon and not be able to walk or drive for 6 weeks. After that experience, I have a better understanding of what accessibility really means.

Are you coming to Reunion?
No, but I wish I could.

What's a favorite memory of Mount Holyoke?
Laying on the lawn at the Delles on a warm, spring day.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Count down to 10 year Reunion: Maureen Deming

Where do you live?
Plainville, CT

What's keeping you busy these days?
School! Between teaching and finishing my Masters degree, it feels like I'm constantly in school. Otherwise, I love performing with the handbell choir at my church and community theaters in the area. I was just cast in "1776" - as a man!

10 years ago I never would have imagined....
That I would feel this confident in my abilities in a field I never imagined entering. Mount Holyoke prepared me well, but anyone will tell you that being in the field is the best training. MHC gave me the ability to think, speak, and write in ways that have helped me grow tremendously.

Are you coming to Reunion?
Yes

What are you looking forward to at Reunion?
Alumnae Glee Club - it was such a huge part of my life, and I can't wait to see my Glee Clubbers!

What's a favorite memory?
Each memory that comes to mind, whether it's singing, in the classroom, or around campus, centers around the people. So I guess my favorite memory is the friends I made (cheesy, but true).

I can't wait to see everyone!

Monday, April 18, 2016

Count down to 10 year Reunion: Alyson Bull

Where do you live?
Whately, MA

What's keeping you busy these days?
My one month old daughter, Aliya

10 years ago I never would have imagined....
I would have a 10 year old son (former foster son) that my wife and I fought to reunite with his family and now we coparent with his mom.

Are you coming to Reunion?
Yes

What are you looking forward to at Reunion?
Catching up with everyone!

Thursday, April 14, 2016

10 year Reunion: A profile of Laura Campbell

To start off a series of profiles of '06 class members leading up to the 10th Reunion, today there is a profile of Laura Campbell

At the top of Miyajima island in Japan with my husband in April 2015

Where do you live?
Toulouse, France

What's keeping you busy these days?
Work and trying to pass the civil servant recruitment process, learning to sew, playing in a community band with my husband, tap classes, participating in a local French-American Club.

Do you volunteer for the AA in any way?
Way back in 2010 I volunteered to help edit the newsletter for the European Council, which groups together the various country clubs in Europe and organizes events. Then at the 5 year reunion I became co-web coordinator for the class, and a couple months ago I ended up becoming the moderator for the Facebook group Mount Holyoke Club of France. So yes, a bit more volunteering than I initially intended.

10 years ago I never would have imagined....
that long distance walking would have become a passion of mine. I walked the Dales Way in Yorkshire two summers ago and I'm preparing to walk the West Highland Way in Scotland this summer.

Are you coming to Reunion?
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to Reunion this year. But I will be in New York for a few days about two weeks after Reunion if anyone wants to meet up.

What's a favorite memory of Mount Holyoke?
So many, but in the spring time I loved seeing the daffodils come up around campus and eating outside at Prospect by the lake. It was so lovely to open dorm windows at the Mandelles to listen to the lower falls when it was nice outside.