Thursday, February 6th was College Day throughout Baltimore County Public Schools.  At Hampton, teachers and students were encouraged to wear their college gear.  Our reporters sat down with a few teachers at Hampton to talk about their college experiences.

Katie K. Interviews 2nd Grade Teacher Mrs. Wagner

 Since February 6, was “wear your college gear” day I will be writing about a college interview I had with Mrs. Wagner. I asked her some questions about college. She had some interesting answers. 
Katie: “What colleges did you attend?” 
Mrs. Wagner: “University of Maryland, for my bachelor's degree and Towson for my master’s.” 
Katie: “What degrees do you have?” 
Mrs. Wagner: “Undergraduate in resource economics and master’s in teaching for early childhood.” 
Katie: “What made you decide to be a teacher?” 
Mrs. Wagner:” I did not want to become a teacher until after I became a parent. I discovered I really liked it. So... Not until my 30’s.” 
Katie:” Why did you choose early childhood instead of late childhood?” 
Mrs. Wagner: “That was the experience I had as teaching as a kindergarten Sunday school teacher. And subbing my son’s preschool. I have no experience working with older children.” 
Katie:” What classes were your favorite?” 
Mrs. Wagner: “I remember as an undergraduate one of my favorite classes was, I soil. I really liked philosophy classes. The discussions were good. I took a class in humor. We watch movies and things.” 
Katie: ”Why did you choose college park?” 
Mrs. Wagner: “I chose college park because it had a good reputation, it wasn’t that far away from home, and affordability.” 
Katie: “ And finally, what advice would you give someone who is JUST starting college?” 
Mrs. Wagner:” Don’t worry about not knowing what you want to do with the rest of your life. You can always go back to school and pick whatever.” 
 
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   Max.L interviews Mrs. Vitek, a fourth-grade teacher.  

Max.L: “Where did you go for college?” 
 Mrs. Vitek: “Well I went to Stevenson and I also went to UMBC.   
ME: “What did you go to these colleges for?” 
Mrs. Vitek: “I went for elementary education and I got a masters in S.T.E.M.” 
ME: “what was some of your favorite classes?” 
Mrs. Vitek: “Well I did golf, art, technology, and a sorority.” 
Me: “What did you want to be when you grow up and what college did you want to go to?” 
Mrs. Vitek: “I wanted to be a teacher and go to UMBC.”   
ME: “What advice would you give to people going into college?”3  
Mrs. Vitek: “I would tell them to save their money and try your best.” 
ME: “Well thank you and have a nice day.”  
Mrs. Vitek: “You too, bye.”   
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Connor Y. interviews Ms. Hudson, the is a S.T.A.T. teacher at Hampton Elementary. Hampton is in the county of BCPS (Baltimore County Public Schools). BCPS has a S.T.A.T. program. When the first time BCPS got devices, Ms. Hudson had to teach teachers and students how to use them. She also helps with some device problems. 
 
Question: What college did you go too?  
Answer: I went to 3 colleges. Philadelphia University, University of Maryland, and Capella university.  
 
Question: What degree do you have?  
Answer: I got a master's degree in mental health, and Counseling Bachelor of Arts. 

Question: What were some of your favorite classes?  
Answer: My favorite classes were Technical drawing, Internship classes Mental health, and teaching. 
 
Question: Did you do any extracurricular activities or play any sports? 
Answer: No. 
 
Question: Did you have a job while you were in college?  
Answer: When I was at Loyola, I worked in the education department, I helped the professors, and I was a teacher at Hampton Elementary. 
 
Question: What advice would you give someone who is just starting college?  
Answer: Go to class. Attendance in class. Pay attention. Always ask for help when you need it. 

Question: What was the best thing in college that you remember? 
 Answer: Living on campus. I had better connection with my friends and got to know my teachers better. 
 
Question: What was your favorite lunch meal?  
Answer: I loved the pasta bar at Loyola. 
 
Question: How long did you stay at each college?  
Answer: I went to Philadelphia for one year. Stayed at Loyola for 3 years. Went Towson University for summer school for catching up. Stayed at Capella for 4 years. 
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Carly C. interviews kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Engel.

Since February 6 was wear your college gear day, we decided to interview the teachers about where they went for college.  I sat down with Mrs. Engel, a kindergarten teacher at Hampton Elementary. We talked about what she enjoyed about college and why.  
 
Carly: Where did you go for college?   
Mrs. Engel: I went to University of Richmond in Virginia.  
 
Carly: What did you like about University of Richmond?  
Mrs. Engel: It was special and unique because at the time there was a girl and boy campus, but we had classes together. 
 
Carly: What degrees did you earn there?  
Mrs. Engel: I have MA (Master of Arts), English, and Economics.  
 
Carly: What were some of your favorite classes?  
Mrs. Engel: I loved calculus, creative writing, and psychology.  
 
Carly: Why did you enjoy those classes?  
Mrs. Engel: Math is like a puzzle and I enjoy the challenges that come with it. Creative writing was a good and fun way to express myself. Psychology was fun because it was fascinating to learn how the brain works.  
 
Carly: Did you do play any sports?  
Mrs. Engel: Yes, I was a swimmer, but the swim practices took up a lot of my time.  
 
Carly: Did you have a job when you were in college?  
Mrs. Engel: No, but I had a summer job. I coached a swim team.  
 
Carly: Finally, what advice would you give someone who is just starting college? 
Mrs. Engel: I would say to find a group of friends that you are comfortable with and who you can have fun with and/or study with. 
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Lucas V. interviews fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Williams
 
Lucas: What college(s) did you attend? 
Mrs. Williams: Clark University and Notre Dame MD. 
 
Lucas: What degrees did you get in college? 
Mrs. Williams: At Clark University, I got a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and at Notre Dame MD, I earned a master's degree in elementary education. 
 
Lucas: What were your favorite classes? 
Mrs. Williams: My favorite class in Clark University was urban geography, and my other favorite classes are; sociology class and the research methods class. 
 
Lucas: What advice do have for students who are starting college? 
Mrs. Williams: Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might take a class you had never considered before and find that it is an interesting subject. Also, it’s okay to change your mind about what you think you want to study if you find that it doesn’t appeal to you anymore. 
 
Lucas: Did you participate in any extracurricular activities in college? 
Mrs. Williams: Yes, I was in several clubs and I also helped in the 1988 presidential election. 

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Zahra A. interviews Mrs. Barboza, a 5th grade teacher at Hampton

Zahra: “What college(s) did you go to?”
Mrs. Barboza: “Point park University” 
Zahra: “What degree(s) do you have?” 
Mrs. Barboza: “I have my degree in dance journalism and reading" 
Zahra: “What was/were of some of your favorite classes?” 
Mrs. Barboza: “Jass, ballet, broadcast, and ortongillinghim” 
Zahra: “Did you do any extracurricular activities or play any sports?” 
Mrs. Barboza: “I was in musical theater. I was in the dance club” 
Zahra: Did you have a job while you were in college?” 
Mrs. Barboza: “I did work study” 
Zahra: What advice would you give someone who is just starting college?” 
Mrs. Barboza: “Stay organized, show up for classes, and don’t procrastinate.” 
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Molly & Sariyah interview school counselor, Mrs. Dyer


Where did you go to college? 
Ms. Dyer: Salisberry University and Loyola college  
What degrees do you have? 
Ms. Dyer: Psychology and master's in counseling (Loyola) 
What were some of your favorite classes? 
Ms. Dyer: Reading, Psychology, and counseling techniques  
Did you have any extra-curricular-activities or play any sports? 
Ms. Dyer: Volunteering in schools and playing softball (for fun)  
Was there ever a time where you didn’t know what you were going to do? 
Ms. Dyer: Yes. There was a difficult time where I didn’t know what to do for a career, after I decided I didn’t want to be a teacher. I considered counseling, but I really wanted to be around kids.  
When did you know what you wanted to pursue your career in? 
Ms. Dyer: Always wanted to be a teacher but when I went to college, I did not like the teaching classes but still wanted to be in a school with children. When someone suggested school counseling, I thought it would be the perfect job.  
What Advice would you give someone who is just starting college? 
Ms. Dyer: Work hard, manage time, make sure to make priorities, make sure you are taking classes seriously, and study a lot.  
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Vera S. interviews third-grade teacher, Mrs. Mazur


Vera: What colleges did you go to? 
Ms.Mazur: I went to Stevenson University, Loyola, and now in Goucher. 
Vera: What degrees do you have?   
Ms.Mazur: I had a Bachelors in elementary education, Master's degree in educational, technology, leadership, and Certificate in admissions. 
Vera: What were some of your favorite classes? 
Ms. Mazur: I enjoyed biology, chemistry, and school improvement theory.  
Vera: Did you have a job while in college?  
Ms.Mazur: No I did not have a job while in college. 
Vera: Did you do any extra curricular activities or play any sports? 
Ms. Mazur: I was on the dance team for all four years of college! 
Vera: What advice would you give someone who is just starting college? 
Ms.Mazur: You have to work on time management like having enough time to do homework. 
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Zahra interviews Mrs. Millhausen, a kindergarten teacher.

Zahra: “What college did you go to?” 
Mrs. Millhausen: I went to Towson University and Goucher College.  
Zahra: What degrees did you have? 
 Mrs. Millhausen: I got my Bachler’s degree. I go my masters. 
 Zahra: What was/were some of your favorite classes? 
Mrs. Millhausen: Book making and art classes. 
Zahra: Did you do any extracurricular activities or ply any sports? 
Mrs. Millhausen: I worked in a childcare. I volunteered 
Zahra: Did you have a job while you were in college? 
Mrs. Millhausen: I worked in a childcare. Yes, I was a waitress and a nannie. I also had a daycare with my mom. 
Zahra: What advice would you give someone who is just starting college? 
Mrs. Millhausen: I would say not to take to many classes. Allow a lot of study time. Study first, play later. 
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Nick F. interviews Mrs. Smith, a first-grade teacher
Where did you go to college?
College and university of albite Edmonton Canada  
 
What did you study?
To be an Elementary school teacher and gym teacher as minor.  My degree is a bachelor's in Education



What was your favorite elective? 
 Philosophy class was my favorite elective 


What sports did you play?
 I played basketball for the team  

Fun fact about Canada 
Fun Fact: In Canada college and university is much cheaper than the U.S.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         *******************************************************************************************
Two other teachers also answered our questions via email.  Mrs. Cavender is the physical education teacher at Hampton and Mrs. Fletcher is the vocal music teacher.

Mrs. Cavender

What College(s) did you attend?  
​Towson University (undergrad) and Notre Dame of Maryland University (grad)

What degree(s) do you have? 
 ​Elementary Education (Bachelor of Science), and a Masters of Leadership in Mathematics 

 What made you chose to study that subject? ​I knew I wanted to teach elementary as soon as I graduated high school because I liked working with younger kids.  I had done camps and some coaching on the side.  Then after I taught about 5 years I really enjoyed teaching mathematics so I decided to get my masters in an area of mathematics.

What was/were some of your favorite classes? ​Definitely Children's Literature, Elementary Art, and then the internships in all the elementary schools.
Did you do any extracurricular activities or play any sports in college? ​I played soccer for Towson University for all my four years there.

Did you have a job while you were in college?  ​I did not work during the school semesters, but always worked in the summer.  I worked at the Towson YMCA as a sports camp counselor.

What advice would you give a student who is just starting college? ​If you and your parents can afford to live on campus, do it.  You meet so many more students and it makes it so much easier to have a job, get involved in extracurricular activities, and when you study you have access to everything (including study groups).

When did you decide you wanted to be a teacher?  ​In high school I took a class for beginners teaching preschoolers and I loved it, but still wasn't completely sure ...

Did you ever have a time in college when you wanted to change what you were studying?  ​I actually really wanted to go into the field of physical therapy.  I had even looked into a magnet high school that didn't work out.  When I was looking at colleges, I discovered that I could not play a sport and go into that field due to the sport schedule demands.  I had soccer scholarship offers so I knew I definitely wanted to play more than I wanted to do physical therapy.  So I went back to my other love of teaching.  I have no regrets!

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Mrs. Fletcher

What College(s) did you attend? 
Towson University for both degrees

What degree(s) do you have?  What made you choose to study that? 
I have a Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a concentration in vocal & general music and a Master of Science in Music Eduation.  I love music (singing and playing instruments like piano, recorder and guitar and wanted to share that love with others.)

What was/were some of your favorite classes? 
University Chorale (chorus) because we enjoyed performing together and traveling to other states to perform; Music History—I loved hearing how music has changed over the centuries, music theory—it is closely related to math which I love.

Did you do any extracurricular activities or play any sports in college? 
No sports but I took some kickboxing classes and swimming for exercise.  Hanging out with friends—going to dinner, shopping, hiking/walking around campus, watching movies with my roommates.

Did you have a job while you were in college? 
I was a paid performer (singer/actress) in an improv troop doing musical theater on a dinner train.  We performed the songs from well-known musicals and improvised (made up in the moment) the dialogue for each scene connecting the songs in order to tell the story quickly.

What advice would you give a student who is just starting college? 
Make sure to keep up with your assignments and manage your time.  Put school before fun.

When did you know you wanted to be a music teacher? 
In my junior or senior year of high school.  I was thinking about teaching math but decided that music would be more enjoyable for me personally.

We all know that winter break is right around the corner.  In fact, it's less than 24 hours away!  The students' excitement is palpable, but do you know who is just as excited as the students?  The teachers!  Our staffers caught up with a few of Hampton's teachers to ask them about their plans for winter break.

Carly
I sat down with Mrs.Vitek, a fourth-grade teacher at Hampton Elementary. I asked her a few questions about what she does during winter break. 
What are you doing over winter break? 
I am visiting family and spending time with my daughter who is one. 
Are you going somewhere and if so where?  
  I am going to my parents' house and then I am going to Mr.V itek’s parents' house.  
What do you celebrate?  
  I celebrate Christmas and New Years.  
What is your favorite thing to do in Winter Break?  
  I like to watch Christmas Movies. Especially Home Alone.  
Are you glad to get off and if so why or why not?  
 Yes. I am ready for break and to sleep in.  

What are you doing for Christmas break? Are you leaving to see family? Or are you having a staycation?  Mrs.Vitek is really looking forward to winter break and I hope you are too.  
 
Molly
I interviewed Mrs. Colen. She is a Speech and Language Pathologist at Hampton. Mrs. Colen will be going to Bethesda and staying over with her daughter and her new granddaughter. Hew new granddaughter is two weeks old and she is very excited to spend some time with her. I asked her if she was glad to get off for almost two weeks for winter break? She answered, “I want to have some fun, but I also have schoolwork to do, and I’ll have extra time to get it done.” Mrs. Colen is wishing for some snowfall this winter. She celebrates Hanukkah and is going to a concert where they will play Hanukkah songs and celebrate! She is also planning to make some calls and hopefully get together with some friends who she usually doesn’t get to see. Mrs. Colen is really looking forward to winter break!  

Katie & Vera
  We sat down and asked Mrs. Smith, a first-grade teacher at Hampton, a few questions about Winter Break. “Our family is going to a cabin in Lost City, West Virginia!” Mrs. Smith said. Most of you all have some sort of family over, like grandparents or aunts and uncles, right? Well that is not the case for Mrs. Smith. “No, all our family lives in Canada, too far!”  

Zahra & Sariyah
We interviewed Mrs. Cardwell, a 3rd grade teacher, about what she was going to do for winter break. She said, “I get together with my children and we are going to a Christmas pageant in my church. I cook Christmas brunch for my family. I wear my pajamas and eat cookies all day. I’m going to Washington DC to see my daughter.” ​