Today, for the 25th day of the "Women’s History Month" project, we are celebrating this strong and beautiful woman
Meet Meg Parkhurst, 42, wife, mother of three, an Assistant Superintendent and outdoor enthusiast
“Not ignorance, but ignorance of ignorance, is the death of knowledge.” - Alfred North Whitehead
Where are you from?
New York City was my birthplace and our family moved to the suburbs (Chappaqua, NY) to start elementary school. As the oldest of three kids, I grew up with a beautiful balance of easy commuter train access to the city and also lots of unsupervised time in the woods and our cal-de-sac. It was truly an ideal childhood with access to many cousins within a couple hours radius and lots of traveling with our family of five.
About your education?
After graduating high school, I attended Smith College in western Massachusetts. While I wasn’t initially looking to follow in my mother’s footsteps at an all women’s college, it was a formative experience that allowed me to assert my own passions and grow in a judgment free setting. After initially starting with a focus in economics, I ended up adding a minor in education as I found in my summer jobs that working with children was my passion. Shortly after getting my undergraduate degree from Smith, I continued to pursue additional education, getting my master’s in educational leadership from University of Southern Maine (USM). After a few years of a break from formal education, I began working towards a doctoral degree in public policy with USM (which continues to be a work in progress).
What do you do for a living?
After 15 years of teaching at various elementary grade levels, I moved into educational leadership. First, as an instructional coach and assistant principal at the middle school level and then as an assistant superintendent at the district level. I have always found great joy in the work that I do. Though I have days when I truly miss working directly with students, I love being able to look at systems and work to change and shift the ways that we serve students to ensure that ALL students enjoy the benefit of a world class education.
Life challenges?
I have been incredibly lucky to face very few major challenges in my life. I was fortunate to have a strong female role model in my mother, who worked as an executive in investment banking, and a father who was present throughout my childhood for coaching, cooking, and regular advice. Some of the most challenging times were during my adult life as I experienced close family members battle addiction. Staying grounded in the moment and focusing on what you can control are some of the strategies that have helped me to try and support those who are struggling around me. Separating the addiction from the person is critical to maintaining relationships and repairing harm.
Life achievements?
My biggest achievements lie in the friends and colleagues that I have made connections with over the years. I am proud of being a female leader in education, as women are disproportionately overrepresented in the teaching sector, and under-represented in leadership roles. Maintaining a demanding career while also enjoying a strong marriage and three children of my own gives me a sense of accomplishment on a daily basis.
What are your passions?
I love food, traveling, and being with my people. I am so grateful to have ended up in southern Maine. Whether it’s access to skiing, hiking, and the ocean or learning to raise chickens and make limoncello, Maine offers so many amazing opportunities. I think my passion lies in experiencing a wide range of what life has to offer.
What do you value the most in life?
My family and friends are the center of my universe. I value each relationship, the interconnectedness of human beings with one another, and the impact that we can have when we are able to work together.
Advice for other women?
Don’t be afraid to say what you mean, stand up for what you believe in, ask good questions, and try new things.
Here is another one of Meg's favorite quotes:
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - A.A. Milne
*****
Thank you, Meg, for sharing your story and empowering others!
#womenshistorymonth #womansupportingwomen #womanpower #mainephotographer
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