JOHNSON, Vt.- Up next on our Alumni Spotlight is 2018 graduate and member of the women's track and field program Desiree Penrod. It is our pleasure to feature Desiree!
Name: Desiree Penrod
Class Year: 2018
Concentration/Major: Pre-Professional Counseling/Psychology
Sport(s) played at Johnson: Women's Track & Field (Throwing Events: Javelin, Discus, and Shot Put; 4 by 100 Relay,) Women's Rugby (Captain Junior and Senior year), Women's Basketball Manager (Three seasons, Sophomore-Senior year).
Hometown & State: Long Beach, California; Danielson, Connecticut
Current town/city: Phoenix, Arizona
Occupation/Job Title: Teacher at a school for students with Autism.
Why did you decide to attend Johnson?
Patrick Rogers! I met Patrick during my junior year of high school at a college fair. I went over to Johnson's table and started talking to Patrick. He told me all about Johnson and even rugby. Since 2013, I knew Johnson was the place I was going to call home from 2014-2018.
Tell us about your job. What do you like most about your current role?
Before relocating to Phoenix, I worked as a Paraprofessional in Connecticut for two years. When I moved to Arizona, I was immediately hired as a head teacher for a combined class of Kindergarten and First Grade students. This school is dedicated to students on the spectrum. The school includes all grades, K through 12. So, that is pretty amazing. My work as a Para back in Connecticut taught me a lot and I have taken what I have learned as a Para and brought it to Arizona as a teacher. I honestly love my students the most. They are full of energy and everyday is a new adventure with them. They are the reason I get up and come to work everyday. They find new ways to put a smile on my face. Together, we are learning each and every day.
How did your experience at Johnson help prepare you for what you are doing today?
This is an interesting question because I received my degree in Psychology; however, I am currently working at a Private school for Autistic students. What I can say about my experience at Johnson and how it has prepared me for my current position, is that I learned a lot from everyone I came into contact with at Johnson. Everyone was a teacher in their own ways. Whether I knew you as a professor, a staff member, a coach, a boss, a mentor, or someone who I passed by and had a few conversations with; you all taught me something. Anyone can be a teacher, but it takes a special person to teach something and have that material stick.
What advice/insight do you have for Johnson alumni and current student-athletes interested in your career field?
It is okay if you get a degree in one field and end up in a career in a different field. Look at me, I received my degree in Psychology; however, I am currently in Education and loving every moment of it. If you want to teach, go for it; do not let anyone guide you in another direction.
Looking back on your time as a Johnson student-athlete, what is one of your favorite memories?
Honestly, one of my favorite memories as a student-athlete at Johnson was my senior year for rugby. That season, we went undefeated and that has never happened before. Even though we lost the championship game, that season will go down in history. As a player and a captain, I could not have been prouder of my team. As a student-manager for the Women's Basketball team, my favorite memory was when we beat Husson at home in the 2016-2017 season. Still thinking about that game gives me goosebumps. There was not a single dried eye in the gym.
Have you attended alumni weekend? If so, tell us about your experience returning to campus.
I unfortunately have not been able to attend an alumni weekend at Johnson yet. Hopefully I will be able to in the future though. I have worked many alumni weekend events due to working at CES, but since becoming an alum, I have yet been to one.