Interview by Catrina Meyer

Phoenix: Describe your job as a math teacher. What is your average day like?

Ms. Driscoll: I get to work between 6:00 and 6:15. I do some work, then go to classes. I enjoy my classes; we laugh a lot and learn a lot.

Phoenix: When did you first start working here?

Ms. Driscoll: 1997/1998 was my first year.

Phoenix: How has Pomperaug changed over the years?

Ms. Driscoll:It has gotten bigger. I mean, I guess that is the big thing: bigger in size, population and staff. Other than that it’s pretty similar. There were less than 1000 students when I started.

Phoenix: What is your favorite event at P.H.S?

Ms. Driscoll: I guess one of the favorites would have to be when I judge Mr. Pomperaug. It’s a night of laughs.

Phoenix: Do you participate in or lead any other school-related events outside of the classroom?

Ms. Driscoll: I am co-advisor for the yearbook.

Phoenix: If you could teach another subject, which one would it be?

Ms. Driscoll: Math all the way! If I had to learn another subject, I would learn Chemistry or Physics because I think that would enrich my math background.

Phoenix: What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

Ms. Driscoll: I like reading. I enjoy watching TV from time to time. I don’t really have a lot of time outside of school. I have started jogging, and I enjoy doing 5ks from time to time.

Phoenix: Where are the coolest places you’ve ever been?

Ms. Driscoll: I really haven’t been west of Michigan. My best vacations were Cancun and the Florida Keys, but I’m a New Englander.

Phoenix: What kind of kid were you like in high school?

Ms. Driscoll: I was the quiet one: did my work, didn’t really ask a lot of questions and kind of observed what was happening in the classroom. I was the kid that teachers didn’t really realize they had. I used study halls well so I didn’t take a lot of work home, until Calculus, of course.

Phoenix: What are your favorite movies?

Ms. Driscoll: Remember the Titans, Shawshank Redemptionand Miracle on Ice.

Phoenix: If you could make one change to Pomperaug High School, what would it be?

Ms. Driscoll: To find a way to make it feel like a small community, even though it is a bigger school. And to get more students involved outside of academics.

Phoenix: Who are inspirational figures (famous, family, or friends) that have influenced your life?

Ms. Driscoll: Obviously my parents were a big influence on me. My mentor Bobby Plans who was a teacher here until she passed away in 2004—she was probably the most influence on me as a teacher.

Phoenix: If you could give advice to PHS. students, what would it be?

Ms. Driscoll: Pay attention in class and do the work your teacher asks. Find something that you are passionate about outside of academics and make time for it in your day.

Phoenix: If you could give advice to teachers, what would it be?

Ms. Driscoll:Just take time to get to know your students because it really makes a difference. Know more than just who they are in the academic world.

Phoenix: If you could make one change to the world, what would it be?

Ms. Driscoll: I guess I would try to find a way to have people accept one another.