M. B. M.

1-Describe yourself in 5 words, don’t be modest.

thoughtful, motivated, nurturing, deliberate, earnest

2-Last time you cried?

I can’t remember the last time I bawled, but I find that I frequently tear up at poignant moments that I see or read about.

3-Something you’re proud of

I have two.

 I am proud of how far I have come in my education and how dedicated I’ve been to teaching while doing so.

I am proud to have such a special daughter, and though I constantly question how I’m doing at parenting, I will see moments that reassure me that I’m doing okay.

4-What did you eat for breakfast today?

I haven’t yet, but I am going to have waffles with almond butter and berries with my family when my daughter wakes up.

5-Mac or PC?

Mac

6-In your opinion, what is the best invention?

The invention that currently feels the most relevant to me is the internet, but I know that that wouldn’t be here would it not be for a whole host of other inventions. I also don’t know that it’s the “best”... this question is hard!

7-Worst thing you’ve ever done?

Growing up, my brother and I were really mean to each other. There are a few specific examples from that time that I’d rather not get into, ha ha. He was three years older and a lot bigger than me so I practiced a lot of “self-defense” on my end. Or at least that’s how I remember it ;)

8-What is something you whole-heartedly believe?

I think that I believe in small kindnesses. I believe they are important to do and I also believe that they are out there when you need to see them and be reminded that the world isn’t a terrible place. I have to admit, I’m not the best at practicing that all the time, but it is something I come back to frequently.


9-Highest level of education?

I am a PhD candidate working on my dissertation, which is specifically on novels written by women during the Franco dictatorship in 20th century Spain.  


10-Last place you traveled?

Locally, Monterey, CA. I frequently visit Southern CA to visit family, and my biggest international trip was to Spain last summer to do research on my dissertation.  


11-Have you ever experienced discrimination?

I think, yes, but not in the way that plagues so many people. People have made judgements about me because of my gender, my age and interestingly, my size. I am thinking specifically about when I was teaching at a high school was often mistaken for a high school student.

Additionally, this is less discrimination, but goes along with stereotypes and general expectations, I feel like as a woman I was expected to be sweet. And because I tend to be on the shorter side I feel like those expectations were doubled.

All that said, I recognize that this is in no way as pervasive as what many experience.


12-I know you’re married, however, would you have ever dated someone of a different religion?

I don’t consider myself religious so it would be really hard for me to date someone who was religious.

 

Cape Cod, MA Age 33