December Teacher Q+A- Dr. McEwen
The Q+A- one student, one teacher, each month. This month we sat down with science teacher Dr. Megan McEwen.
Conducted by Leigh Jacobson
Spotlight Editor
Common misconception about teachers:
I honestly had no idea students spent any time and/or energy speculating about teachers.
Most creative gift, given or received:
When I was a waitress in New York, a friend of mine from college came in for dinner. When the check came, he found out he didn’t have enough money for a tip. He was so embarrassed, and started digging around in his pockets looking for something. He came back with a brand new can of rare, Portuguese-spiced sardines. I still have no idea why he was carrying them around on a Friday night.
Movie you’ve seen the most:
Lady From Shanghai, All About Eve, or When We Were Kings
Book you’ve read most:
I re-read James Joyce’s Ulysses every summer.
Fictional character you identify with:
It depends on the day. Lately, I’ve been feeling a lot like Ignatius J. Reilly.
Obsolete item you won’t trash:
Our two-year-old’s onesie from when she was newborn. A friend made it for us with the Lou Reed quotation on it: “Life is like Sanskrit read to a pony.”
What you wanted to be at age 10:
25.
Student pet peeve:
Apathy.
Procrastination technique:
Filling out questionnaires 😉
Secret hobby:
Ever since high school, my friends and I have secretly been what we call “closet domestics.” It just means that we secretly love puttering around the house (cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc.).
Favorite historical figure:
I know I should say someone more venerable or scientific, but the truth is that I will always watch/read/listen to anything by or about William S. Burroughs. I am a sucker for a good sound byte, after all.
Favorite piece of art in your home/anywhere:
The triptych my grandmother painted of still life in various stages of abstraction.
Movie star you always wanted to be:
I honestly never really wanted to be any of them. Except maybe for George Clooney, since he’s got a gorgeous villa in Italy and an adorable pet pig.
Favorite gadget:
All my favorites are low-tech and culinary-related. I have an extensive collection of microplanes and whisks.
Topic you love but won’t discuss at a party:
My research. There is no better conversation-killer in the world than telling someone you study ultra-high energy particle astrophysics, regardless of how accessible it actually is.
The last meal you had:
Garbanzo and tomato tagine.
Funniest English word:
Infarction.
Most memorable teaching experience:
My first day. I was so nervous to meet the students, I brought them cookies to break the ice.
Most-visited website, why:
I used to read all news from everywhere, but it started depressing me. I stick to Project Rungay [blog] now.
Favorite cancelled-too-soon TV show:
Arrested Development
Most beloved/interesting item at your office desk:
My stash of snacks.
