Last year, Middlesex Classics teacher Kate Hession took a yearlong leave to pursue a Masters in American history at Brown University. “If I could be a student forever, I would be,” says Hession. “Whether I’m studying ancient Rome or modern US, I feel a deep sense of interconnectedness to those who have lived before me. Learning about the experiences and perspectives of others continually takes me outside of my own world and shows me that, throughout the ages, people are people.”
Throughout her Masters program, Hession (“Hesh,” as she is known around here) devoured material. As a student, she says, “I wanted to be like a sponge and soak in every single moment and learn as much as I possibly could.” Knowing that she would be teaching US history upon her return to Middlesex, Hession considered material through the lenses of both student and teacher: “My Brown professors were constantly trying to help me think of ways to make my work and research accessible to high school students.”
Beyond the classroom, Hession’s connections extend to the ice. A four-year member of the varsity women’s ice hockey team at Princeton, Hession took over as Head Coach of the Middlesex program in 2011. “I love being able to share my passion for the sport with others. When I step out onto the ice and take that first deep breath of cold air, I feel like I am home; my favorite part of the day is coaching athletes who are so talented and dedicated to the game but who are also hilarious!”
While pursuing her Masters full-time at Brown, Hession was asked to assist with their women’s hockey program. “I couldn’t imagine being away from hockey for an entire year,” says Hession, “so I worked with the team’s defensive units. It ended up being this amazing experience because I got to connect with the girls on the team beyond the rink.”
Helping kids make connections is one of Hession’s favorite aspects of Middlesex. “I love helping students and players tackle obstacles and watching the sense of accomplishment wash over their faces when they finally grasp a difficult concept,” she says. “I enjoy working with students and players to exceed their own expectations and ‘find their promise.’”
