Jennifer McDonald, BHS English teacher & Key Club co-advisor

Ms. McDonald was born in September and her hometown is Bourne, MA (Class of 1987, but call Mashpee home now). 
College?   
Well, since my folks insisted I stay in-state for obvious financial reasons, I went as far away as I could: North Adams State College (now MCLA), where I found the social scene a bit too much to avoid. Ironically, I ended up commuting from home to Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass-Dartmouth) for my Bachelors in English, and later getting my Masters in Special Education from Bridgewater State College (now BSU). I’m now attending American International College for my CAGS in Educational Leadership, and wondering when AIC, too, will change its name.
Favorite teacher?  Hard pick just one...in my younger years, I’d have to say Mr. Tomlinson at the Stowell School (now the Bourne Library..see a theme here???) because he had such a great rapport with kids, a style I try to emulate. As I am a lifetime learner, I’d have to say Mrs. Casey here at BHS is my favorite; I learn more from her every day, not just about literature or the teaching profession, but about life. She’s one of the most thoughtful people I know.
I’m going to miss her beyond words when she retires.
If you were not in education what other profession would you like to attempt?   
Travel blogger. I’m a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain-- he has the ultimate occupation (other than teaching, of course). I have my own website called The Cape Cod Mom, http://capecodmom.weebly.com/ about living the Cape Cod-life fulltime on a budget--it’s kind of out of date at the moment but I’d love to travel and extend my website to traveling on a budget.  Everything I do has to be on a budget; I have four expensive kids who want braces and college educations and food, and a husband who likes to fish.
Do you have pets?   
A cat named Mao Mao Kitty The Vampire Le Chat (she really answers to nothing) that thinks it’s a dog and greets me each day at the door. We have a couple beta fish and one surviving fancy mouse left over from Christmas.
Favorite Color?  Old Silver Beach Blue...is that a color? it should be.
Favorite Quote or Saying?   To quote Warren Zevon, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” It kind of sums up the pace of my life.
Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled?  
Which is farther: Hawaii or Finland? Both seem lifetimes away. Loved them both for very different reasons. Would love to go back spend some time in Finnish schools for some professional development; would love to go back to Hawaii for, well, Hawaii.
Favorite Food?  Peanut butter toast on very crisp light wheat bread. I eat it every day.
Hobbies or Activities/Organizations you are active in?  
​I am passionate about Key Club and giving back to the community. And I enjoy a Sunday church service at Cotuit Federated Church when I can get there. I benefit from a little check in with my spiritual side every now and then. They have an awesome handbell choir!