Do you think being a part of the National Honor Society, or playing sports during High School can benefit you in the future? Do you enjoy going to the beach frequently? Are you also a Scorpio, and a huge fan of Strawberry Bon Bons? If any of these sounds like you, meet Doherty Memorial High School’s very own 9th Grade English ETA Teacher, Ms. Perez! Follow along to hear what she has to share from her 11+ years of teaching experience.

Ms. Perez’s Upbringing…

Q: Tell me about your background.

“I was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, and attended all Worcester public schools, Rice Square School, Worcester East Middle and North High School, which really shaped my sense of community. I come from a mixed Irish and Italian background, which has been a big part of my identity and family traditions. Growing up as the younger sibling in my family taught me a lot about resilience, adaptability, and maybe just a little bit about how to hold my own.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Do you own a pet? If so, what is their name and how has your pet impacted your life. Share a bit about them.

“No pets, two small children are enough for me right now.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Did you join any extracurriculars when you were younger? Any after school clubs, organizations, programs, or sports in the past? Are you currently a teacher in any? If so, explain.

“Yes, I was very involved in extracurriculars growing up. I played softball for both my high school team, North High, and a city league, Jack Barry, which kept me busy but was so much fun. I also played soccer for my high school for a year, which was another great experience—definitely taught me a lot about teamwork and dedication. Outside of sports, I was a member of the National Honor Society, which gave me the opportunity to focus on academics and community service.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: What is your most favorite place you’ve ever been to? Have you traveled out of the country? What’s your favorite restaurant or hang out location?

“My favorite place has to be Cape Cod. It holds such a special place in my heart because of all the wonderful family memories tied to it. Whether it was spending summers at the beach or simply soaking in the beautiful scenery, it’s a place full of nostalgia for me. Every time I visit, it feels like stepping back into those moments with family—it’s truly a place that brings me peace and happiness and I am happy to share it with my children now.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Would you like to share a few words about a loved one? Do they inspire, motivate, or offer valuable lessons to you?

“My Papa (grandfather) was always an incredible source of inspiration to me. He was a teacher, and his dedication to education and helping others motivated me to pursue teaching as a career. He also supported me as a softball player, cheering me on and believing in my abilities. His unwavering encouragement and love shaped me in so many ways, and I feel truly grateful to have had him as such a positive influence in my life.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: What’s something you feel nostalgic about? Is there anything you feel very grateful towards?

“There is a joke that I have a certain love for a strawberry hard candy that people say are “old lady candies” but it is a bit of nostalgia for me. They make me think of my nana (grandmother). I often can be seen bringing these hard candies to meetings in the building.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: What inspires you? Do you have any role models you look up to?

“My mom is my biggest inspiration and role model. She’s shown me what it means to be strong, compassionate, and resilient. Watching how she handles life’s challenges with grace and how she always puts others first has shaped me in so many ways. Her love and wisdom guide me every day, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her as my role model and I hope to be as good as a mother to my girls as she was to me and my sister.” – Ms. Perez.

Ms. Perez’s Time Here at DMHS

Q: What are your thoughts on Doherty Memorial High School? Do you feel supported or heard at all? Are there any improvements needed? What are you looking forward to?

“I am very happy to work here at Doherty and I feel like I am a part of a great community.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Do you have any favorite subjects, teachers, star Highlanders or other staff members here at DMHS? If so, tell me a bit about them!

“I have loved working on the 9th grade ETA for the past 9 years and have a great working relationship with them as well as a great friendship.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Do you have any goals for the future? Do you have something in mind to do other than teaching at the moment? Where do you see yourself in your teaching career in the next 5-10 years?

“Professional goals: If I am lucky to still be teaching on the 9th grade ETA team in the next 5-10 years, that’s exactly where I see myself. I love what I do here.

Personal goals: In the coming years, I hope to prioritize personal growth and well-being, creating a life that feels fulfilling and balanced. For my daughters, I want to be a guiding presence as they navigate their own paths. My goal is to create an environment of love, support, and encouragement, helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. I hope to support their individual interests, whether it’s in academics, arts, sports, or other areas, and teach them valuable life lessons that will empower them in the future and make them strong women.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: How do you motivate students who may be disengaged or uninterested in your subject? What strategies or tips are you willing to share? What makes an excellent educator? Are there any examples of how you handled a challenging situation in your classroom?

“Motivating students who are disengaged or uninterested requires patience, creativity, and understanding. I always try to make my subject relatable by connecting it to students’ interests and real-life experiences. Building strong relationships is essential too—showing genuine care and taking the time to understand each student can go a long way in sparking their motivation.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Do you believe you can reach success despite bad grades? How would you define a ‘star’ student in your classroom? Do you think it’ll be a more difficult experience than others with a good education? What role does having an education play on an individual’s future?

“I believe that success is possible despite bad grades. While grades are important, they don’t define a person’s abilities, potential, or worth. Success often comes from qualities like perseverance, passion, creativity, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Many successful individuals have faced academic struggles but found their path by discovering what truly inspires them and working hard toward their goals. To me, a ‘star’ student isn’t necessarily someone with perfect grades, but rather someone who is curious, motivated, and resilient. A star student asks questions, shows a genuine interest in learning, and supports their peers, contributing to a positive classroom environment. That said, it can be more challenging to achieve success without a solid educational foundation, as education provides critical skills and opportunities. However, success often depends on how you apply yourself, and leverage your unique strengths. Education plays a vital role in opening doors and building a strong foundation for the future, but it’s also important to remember that lifelong learning and determination can make a significant impact, no matter where you start.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: What are some of the most memorable school moments or events that have still stuck with you?

“My first year as a teacher at Doherty, I was informed that all of the new hires sign up for the Teacher vs. Senior basketball game (they didn’t). I signed up and committed to it just to be informed that wasn’t the case and it was a joke. My performance on the court was not great and it was the last time I attempted to play basketball.” – Ms. Perez.

Fun Facts!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies, passions, video games, or special interests? If so, what are they?

“In my free time, I absolutely love reading. I challenge myself to see how many books I can read each year. I also enjoy spending time with my family, especially my husband and our two daughters. Whether it’s playing games, watching movies, going to the park, or just enjoying each other’s company, family time is very important to me.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: What’s a quote you would like to share?

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”― Oscar Wilde

Q: What’s a fun or unique fact about you? Any zodiac signs, favorite colors or animals?

“I’m a Scorpio. I also have a love for tattoos as I think of them as a way to express individuality and tell a story. On top of that, I’m all about experimenting with dyed hair. It’s fun to switch things up and embrace vibrant colors or unique styles.” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Do you have any secret or unknown talents? If so, please elaborate.

“Preserving the Worcester accent. I am fluent in sarcasm. (jokes)” – Ms. Perez.

Q: Do you have any values or morals you want to share?

“I believe in kindness, respect, and treating others the way I’d like to be treated. I value honesty and integrity, always striving to be genuine and trustworthy in my actions. Compassion is also incredibly important to me—I think it’s vital to empathize with others and lend a helping hand whenever possible. I try to approach life with an open mind and a grateful heart.” – Ms. Perez.

Her Impact at DMHS:

After learning about Ms. Perez’s teaching experience, what can you take away from what she shared with us? Can you relate to her experience growing up in Worcester? Just like Ms. Perez, what sort of lessons can you learn from your loved ones? This interview not only shined a light on how education can lead to success, but how doing just that helped get Ms. Perez to where she is now in her career! Thank you for following along, and do not forget to click the comment button on the right-hand side to share your opinions and critiques on this matter! To read more articles, scroll down and click the ‘Teacher Spotlight’ tag in red! Tune in for more articles.