News Detail
Teacher Feature: Lucy Goldstein ’97
An English teacher and alumna dishes about dorm life, her personal motto, and English camp.
Why did you choose to work at EHS?
I am a proud alumna of the EHS class of 1997, and ever since I began teaching, I have always wondered what it would be like to come back to teach. Now that I'm in my second year teaching English here, my hopes have been confirmed: EHS is a wonderfully solid school that knows what it stands for, that provides amazing opportunities for students and faculty alike, and that cares about the content of its students' character as much as the content we teach in our classrooms. The "whole student" approach appeals to me as a teacher; I get to work with students in so many different capacities – in the classroom, on the lacrosse field, and on dorm. It's wonderful!
What do you enjoy most about teaching at EHS?
I really love my students. They are bright, vibrant, friendly, funny, and willing to work hard and play hard. Being around them makes every day fun and different – I love it!
What motivated you to become a teacher?
I was motivated by a powerful love of language, reading, and writing, and also by my own time in high school. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students the same way my wonderful EHS teachers had made in mine. I was lucky enough to begin teaching three months to the day after graduating from college. Every day is different, and it is truly never boring!
What do you enjoy most about being a dorm head?
I love the camaraderie that naturally occurs on dorm. When we hit that stride in mid-October when the opening of school jitters have been shaken off and the girls are getting to know each other on a deeper level, when we have had our first dorm party or banner-making session for an athletic contest, I know that we're clicking, and that the memories the girls are making will stay with them for life. I love being a part of that and helping to foster that kind of community on dorm. I also love working with our student leaders, the Monitors. They keep me up to date on all that goes on with the freshman girls, and they also inspire me with their maturity, wisdom, and sense of humor. Additionally, I love living on dorm because my seven-year-old daughter loves it so much!
Who are your mentors?
My most valuable mentor is a woman I taught with in Rhode Island for nine years before coming to EHS. She taught me the incredible value of showing up for students. If the students know you are there for them and that you believe in them, they will work hard for you and they will succeed. She didn't have the flashiest personality or the loudest voice in a crowd, but she understood the real power of connection with students. I try to emulate that every day.
What is your favorite meal in the dining hall?
I love anything that includes salsa and guacamole – so my dining hall favorites include taco days, fajitas, and the chips and salsa bar!
What is your favorite EHS tradition?
My favorite tradition is the Friday student-led chapel service. First of all, I loved that tradition when I was a student; some of my most vivid memories from my time as a student are of those musical performances that my classmates would give. Secondly, Friday chapel is a wonderful opportunity for students to take charge of the most important space at EHS. The musical collaborations ranging from vocal performances to classical tunes are always wonderful, and I love to hear students offer their thoughts in their talks to the community. Friday chapel services are always inspiring!
What experiences or people had the most influence on you and why?
Truly, my most important formative experiences happened while I was a student here at EHS. I think of exploring spirituality and the power of service with former EHS chaplain Rev. Mark Andrus on a mission trip in South Dakota, and understanding the significance of the EHS Honor Code as a member of the Honor Committee with former faculty member Mr. John Walker. Beyond my high school years, I have been blessed to know so many wonderful teachers at the schools in which I have worked and the graduate schools I have attended. One of the best experiences I've had was attending the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College, a graduate program in the summers for teachers of English. We called it English camp. It was fun, yes, but it was also incredibly enlightening. I felt blessed to be surrounded by passionate teachers of English just like me, many of whom influenced my teaching immensely.
What do you want your students to learn from having known you?
My motto is, be kind, be respectful, be inclusive, and be open. I am hardly the only faculty member espousing those same values, but I do hope that if students get to know me, they will know that those are the values I care about the most, and they will strive to embody those values themselves.
