Elizabeth Lowney
Cooking for Change: Marywood Alumna Brings Global Lessons to Red Hook Classrooms
Marywood accepted all of the college credits I earned in high school, which meant I could jump right into the classes that connected to my major from day one. That flexibility, along with the ability to complete my MAT online while finishing my student teaching helped me graduate early and begin my teaching career sooner than I ever expected. Even better, I was able to complete my student teaching in the same New York school district where I now work.
Today, I teach 7th and 8th grade Spanish at Linden Avenue Middle School in Red Hook, NY, and I’m constantly reminded of how my Marywood education prepared me not only academically, but personally. Some of my closest friends came from the clubs and groups I joined on campus, and those relationships continue to shape my life and career.
This year, one of my proudest teaching moments came from a project inspired by my study-abroad experience in Mérida, Mexico. My 8th grade students transformed our school cafeteria into a full Mexican restaurant for a community event called Cooking for Change a fundraiser that supported Comedor Zarigüeyas, a community kitchen in Mérida that provides daily meals to women and children in need.
Over 250 community members attended, and together, my students raised more than $4,200, enough to fund nearly four months of meals for 95 people. From cooking authentic dishes to explaining cultural traditions to guests, my students learned teamwork, empathy, and the power of using their skills to impact another community 3,220 miles away. Watching them serve others, collaborate under pressure, and grow in confidence was incredibly meaningful, exactly the kind of experience that reflects the heart of why I love teaching.
My advice to current or future Pacers: Join the clubs, the groups, the activities—the places where you feel curious or excited. Those moments of connection and community are the most special part of college, and they shape who you become long after graduation.