Interview by Caroline Crocco

You may know Dr. Bosman from participating in clubs like Big Brother, Big Sister, or maybe from French class, but many people don’t know of the intricate details of her unbelievably unique life. Check out the interview below to find out more about Pomperaug’s famous French teacher!

Phoenix: Describe your job as a French teacher and Foreign Language Department chair. What is your average day like?

Dr. Bosman: The best part of my day is being in the classroom and seeing how the kids progress. It’s a busy day; there is rarely any downtime. Sixty percent of my day revolves around teaching, preparing lessons, designing assessments, reading and the rest is administrative. I am always in my office with my nose to the grindstone!

Phoenix: When did you first start working here? How has Pomperaug changed over the years?

Dr. Bosman: I started here in 1975. When I first came here I was filled with apprehension. What I experienced was a family of friends and professionals that have colored my memories and prevented me from ever leaving. What I loved is that we were always challenged to try new things. There was more time to be with kids, and if you ever wanted to try something new, you were encouraged. It was work combined with fun!

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

Dr. Bosman: Graduation, where I can see the final products of fine young men and women who are prepared to embrace a new life.

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

Dr. Bosman: I introduced community service in 1985. I introduced soup kitchen trips, which eventually became PB & J Club, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt a Grandparent, and Big Brother, Big Sister. I have done Euro-Tours since 1980, and French Honor Society. I have also arranged flowers for graduation, and organized fundraiser dinners.

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

Dr. Bosman: Psychology, or “How to Put Zest into Your Life.” As a joke, I would teach computer training.

Phoenix: What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

Dr. Bosman: Everything—there is nothing I wouldn’t want to try. I love music; I used to play piano and took lessons for several years. I am very into the arts and fine dining. I love traveling, visiting with friends and family, meeting new people provided by my role as Honorary Consul of France, and going to a play or to an opera.

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

Dr. Bosman: Paris (my favorite city), Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, Vienna, and the Hapsburg Winter Palace for New Years Eve!

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

Dr. Bosman: I was shy, involved, a cultivated leader, sensitive, studious and cute as a button!

Phoenix: What are your favorite movies?

Dr. Bosman: The Sound of Music, Gone with the Wind, Avatar,and La Vie en Rose.

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

Dr. Bosman: To provide opportunities for students to travel to Europe during the school year for three weeks in a student exchange (as we did in the ’80s). It was a total immersion program, and that to me was such a positive experience during the school year.

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

Dr. Bosman: My mother with her artistic, creative and loving nature, and my husband’s gentleness. And of course, Napoleon!

Phoenix: If you could give advice to P.H.S. students about high school, what would it be?

Dr. Bosman: This is the first day of the rest of your life. What is most essential in life is not what is visible; you must see with your heart and act with a soul. Life begins after Pomperaug High School, but what happens here is important. It is the people and experiences that are provided here that prepare you to embrace your life afterwards.

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

Dr. Bosman: That people embrace one another’s differences and understand that we are enriched by other cultures and the people that walk into our lives. We need harmony with nature, and harmony with each other. It’s all about tolerance I suppose. That’s what I wish for the world.