Amanda Murphy, Marist '08

Amanda majored in English Literature and Secondary Education and is currently a high school English teacher.

What has your career path been to this point?

I've been an English teacher for the past 15 years; I taught in New Jersey for 2 years before returning to the Hudson River Valley; I currently teach at Wallkill Senior High School.

Can you share an experience/memory from your time at HRVI that stands out as meaningful?

I remember taking my first trip to Wilderstein to complete my work on my article; not only did I find the home and the stories about the Suckleys engrossing, but I also visited and spent time in Rhinebeck that day for the first time. Many of my projects and assignments working for HRVI led me to explore parts of our region that I wouldn’t have otherwise (at least as a college student). These trips fostered my love of this region, and that was instrumental in my decision to move back here and make this my home.

How has your experience at HRVI helped you advance your education and/or professional pursuits since graduating from Marist?

It makes me mindful of knowing where you are from and knowing the place you are in; I have incorporated local history projects in some of my courses over the years, and I continue to try to inspire my students to know and love this area!

As HRVI celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022, do you have any advice for future HRVI interns based on your time at HRVI and your experience in your professional field?

Enjoy it, learn as much as you can about this awesome area, and don't take for granted the fact that you get to work with some GREAT people (several of whom have been there since I interned!)