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Three people standing facing the sun and smiling at the camera as they take a selfie.

Shannon Bailey is a science fellow at Emma Willard School, joining our faculty this fall. The Fellows program at Emma Willard School partners with Clarkson Graduate School so that the candidate receives a Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree from Clarkson University’s Capital Region campus. We asked Shannon four questions about her role at Emma Willard.

#1—What brought you to Emma Willard School?

I would have to say it was a combination of chance and fate. I was searching for my next step after graduating college, and I will admit that I knew nothing of the school, especially as an international. After quite a time of research, I happened upon Emma Willard as an option. So, I took that leap of faith and applied. When I came in for my interview, absolutely lost and at the wrong loop, my first interaction was with Dr. Ashley Bennett. She offered to drive me to the correct place. I was absolutely shocked at the kindness as it is very often a rarity. I figured, maybe it was just her, but after that, I was met with smile after smile, welcome after welcome, and a very refreshing feel of authenticity. That was when I realized I absolutely had to be a part of this institution. Emma immediately showed me what a family institution should look like, and I knew that I would love it here.

 

#2—What is a typical day-in-the-life at Emma like for you?

It truly depends on the day, but most times I get up in time to grab some breakfast from the dining hall because I refuse to go through anything hungry. If not, I usually have some cereal (Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Fruity Pebbles) to carry me until lunch. I carry my very many things to my office if my class is not the first one of the day and do some work (both for Emma and my college). If I do teach for the first session of the day I head straight to my class and start setting up for my students. After classes are done, I usually have classes for myself or as of late, I help to coach the Indoor Track and Field Team. On the day that I am on study hall duty, I usually have to go off campus for my college class, and then head back to be on duty by 7:00 p.m. Then it is study hall and overnight in Bridges. So the days are full.

 

A woman in a red Emma Atheltics polo shirt poses at a track meet.

Shannon is also a coach for Emma Willard's indoor track and field team.

 

#3—What is one thing about working at Emma that would surprise people?

I think one thing that would surprise people about Emma is how laid-back everyone is. I think this would be surprising because upon seeing the campus you’re thinking Hogwarts, fancy, possibly British. Especially after seeing the standard here, it is impressive to me how genuine and down-to-earth everyone is. It is really just a melting pot of students and teachers from different backgrounds and cultures learning about each other and enjoying joint experiences all while having an education.

 

#4—What is your favorite space, place, or tradition on the Emma campus?

My favorite space on campus would probably be the satellite dorm I am (sometimes) on duty for. I really enjoy helping the students out when I can and learning more about them, my OG dorm parent, Heidi, and even myself. I really see it as a place where just about anything can happen ranging from just watching a movie with some of the boarders to a school emergency where students are tugging on my biology and chemistry knowledge.

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