Mentor Interview

Below we have the transcript of our interview with Mrs. Carlomagno.

Interview questions: (Mrs.Carlomagno was interviewed on November 14, 2018)

1. What made you decide to go into your field?

OK I knew I liked science, especially biology, so I decided to major in it in college and I volunteered in a hospital and realized that I didn't want to go to medicine. So I finished up and did my degree and I started working at Dominican college in the admissions office and they were really good teaching program. I had some friends that were going through it and decided that that what I would enjoy and I really liked my high school biology teacher so that's kind of why I was motivated.

2. What would you say is the biggest problem the world faces today, and why?

I just have to think what is like in my daily life all the time and technology is great but I also think that because the critical thinking or the attention span is lacking or the instant gratification when everything is happening so fast, I think it moves a little bit too fast. But... hmm let me see... people being kind to each other? The fact that people can't communicate very well especially with the technology. I mean those are just like things that I see. I mean obviously there are big worldwide problems, but those are just things that I see. But I'd say that's what I've seen shift from a teaching perspective these last 20 years. The distractions.

3. If you could solve this problem, how would you go about it?

I think that we need some space, some breaks from it. Yes so with the phone caddy I can definitely control what happens in class. I don't like to do things on the Computer just because I like hands-on things and I feel like you guys are on the screen a lot and it's nice to take a break from that. So that's just how I do it.

4. How would you describe yourself when you were a student?

So I was a pretty shy student and I did not raise my hand or ask a lot of questions. I didn't like to get up in front of people and thats funny because that's what I do now. Students at that time didn't have tons of AP courses but it was still challenging and I challenged myself and got A's. And I didn't procrastinate at all. So I always get my stuff done.

5. What three things (traits, characteristics, values, etc.) do you value most?

I value perseverance, never giving up, advocating for yourself, asking for help when you need it. Kindness, compassion, and those are just the things that come to mind.

6. Who is your biggest role model, and how do you think they inspire you?

I'd say now... at school it's my students. Well just because I feel like oh my gosh it's so amazing their backgrounds and what they do and what they've overcome and what they have going on other than just school. And to learn about that, and it's pretty inspiring, at their age. And then... my personal life probably my parents. They were my role models about working hard and being kind and that kind of stuff.

7. Do you believe in lawful ethics over morals/personal judgement, or vice versa?

In CCR we had to take these tests and I'm definitely a rule follower. I'm definitely like oh my god I can't do that it's against the rules. Morals and what's right factors into what I think but I'm definitely more on the rule follower side.

8. If you didn't need to worry about money or any current obstacles, what would be your dream job? Is it the same as now? Why or why not?

I really love my job. I love coming to work every day and working with your age, but I don't know if I would continue. I think I would maybe do more volunteer work with education. I think it's really important. I don't know I don't have a specific dream job. I'd just like to have the flexibility to try new things I think.

9. If you had an extra hour in the day, how would you spend it?

If I had an extra hour in the day right now I need to exercise. Just for me that kind of clears my mind. I enjoy running but right now you're just so busy that that tends to get shoved aside so I think I would do that or hike or just do something outdoors.

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Yes what am I doing as a mentor? You guys are designing something right? And your focus is around biology.

And the focus is biomedical so something along the lines of supplements. Have you heard of the guy who made balls of water encapsulated by a plant based material? The water capsule was made to revolutionize the transportation of water. Or I guess. So we were thinking of creating something like that but turning it into a supplement. That was our main idea. And so we will have check ins with you as a mentor.

Ok got it.