Molly Riley is assistant director of admissions at Emma Willard School and joined the team in January of this year. Previously, Molly worked at Emma as a House Parent (residential faculty) living with and supporting the school’s boarding student population. We asked Molly four questions about her role at Emma Willard.
#1 — What brought you to Emma Willard School?
I came to Emma after accepting a job as Resident Faculty. I was a few years out of college and knew that I wanted to find my path to get into education. I was considering an English position, but once I read the job description for Resident Faculty, I knew that was the place for me. I could not have imagined the joy, and challenges, that would come with starting my journey in the thick of Covid. The students, class of 2024, and I were brand new together, and it was an amazing experience to have that bond through such a difficult time.
Working as a member of the Resident Faculty team was the perfect springboard for me to find my next role at Emma in Admissions, a role I recently started in January. Living and working with the students first has given me a deep understanding of what the school and community stands for, and needs! I am so happy to bring that knowledge as we work to grow our community in such an intentional way.
Molly and friends celebrating Lola the dog's 4th birthday!
#2 — What is a typical day-in-the-life at Emma like for you?
I feel so lucky to come to Emma every day! This place really feels like home. I start each morning with a walk to the dining hall, with my colleagues, to catch up and grab breakfast. I spend the majority of my day speaking to prospective families, processing application data, or collaborating with the rest of the Admissions team.
It has been really important to me to continue student-facing work after stepping away from the houseparenting role. I am the Writing Support teacher, so you will find me in the classroom a few hours a week working with our incredible students, and I love going to Morning Reports to catch up on the happenings of the week. I feel so grateful to work on a new team that is supportive of my desire to be with the students as much as possible.
Exploring Sage Tower!
#3 — What is one thing about working on the admissions team at Emma that would surprise people?
How much fun we have! I come into work and leave every day laughing. It is serious business recruiting new students, but we have a way of bringing such joy to the work. We are all so passionate about the school, and it makes our efforts genuine.
#4 — What is your favorite space, place or tradition on the Emma campus?
My favorite space on campus is my new office. It is so bright and filled with artifacts from my time as a houseparent. I love welcoming people in to say hello and take a look around.
My favorite tradition, by far, is Emmaween. The costumes, the snacks, the haunted house…what more could I ask for?
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