Q: What was your inspiration to become a Latin teacher?

A: My great aunt was a Latin teacher for 45 years in New York. She always wrote letters to me when I was a little kid and she would sign off with Latin letters. When she passed away, she gave me in her will all her Latin books […] over 200. Some date back to the 18^th century and it inspired me.

Q: How many Berkeley students take Latin? How many are taking AP?

A: 45 students in Upper Division [took] Latin.  6 students [were] taking AP.

Q: What is a major benefit of taking Latin since it is not a spoken language?

A: [There are] three major benefits: It helps your knowledge of English and vocabulary building, it teaches students to think logically and it helps students develop study skills.

Q: What are the major languages based off of Latin?

A: There are five: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Romanian.

Q: Any exciting activities over the summer?

A: I am traveling all summer long. I am going to Washington D.C, Williamsburg Virginia, and Michigan.

Q: What is your favorite hobby and why?

A: I do obedience training with dogs. Working with dogs is fun because the dogs love you unconditionally and they love to have fun.

Q: If you could be any type of animal what would you be?

A: I would probably be a wild killer whale. That would be awesome.

Q: What is your favorite genre of music and why?

A: Probably classical music. I spent about 15 years of my life […] play[ing] the cello and I just fell in love with it.

Q: Are there any words of encouragement for students striving to excel in languages?

A: Keep at it and practice constantly. Don’t give up; everyone can learn languages. It just requires practice.