October 3, 2022 by Natalie Rock (’23) provided by Mrs. Gironda
What does Mrs. Gironda teach?
Algebra 2, AP calculus AB, and regular calculus
Where did she attend college?
Mrs. Gironda attended college at SUNY Binghamton for her undergrad and her masters. Her undergraduate major was mathematical sciences and her masters was in education. She studied mathematical sciences to keep her options open, in case her plan to teach changed. Although Binghamton ended up being amazing for Mrs. G, it was not always her first option. She had to “dig her acceptance letter out of the garbage”; was her 4th choice. Cornell was where she originally wanted to go, but Binghamton is where she was meant to be. Her only dislikes included the absence of a football environment and the wish that she reached out and got to know professors more.
Is this what Mrs. G planned to be doing when she started out in college?
Mrs. Gironda was born to be a teacher. She is part of a “family of teachers” from her grandparents to her father, who has a teaching degree. Growing up, Mrs. G wanted to teach whatever grade she was in at the time. However, this changed in high school. Her kindergarten self didn’t yet know about her love for math. She also believed, at 5 years old, that she “missed her calling” to be a gymnast. Even at such a young age, Mrs. Gironda thought she was too late; maybe her subconscious knew she was destined to be a teacher.
What are some of Mrs. Gironda’s hobbies outside of school?
Mrs. Gironda said, “I am pretty much obsessed with my dog and my family, so that is number one.” She also loves to read, cook, and travel. Small towns or cities nearby are perfect for a weekend getaway, but she has also been to Europe and hopes to see places all over the world. She loves to explore new places and try new things. Mrs. G said she’s “never met a reality show she didn’t like or a patio that she didn’t want to eat on.”
What does an ideal weekend look like for Mrs. G?
Friday’s are coined as “potato nights” for Mrs. Gironda. She said, “you turn into a potato on the couch and you don’t move.” They are the perfect time for takeout, terrible TV, and rest after a busy week of teaching.
She prefers to have an earlier start on Saturdays because it allows her to go do something, see something, eat somewhere, etc. She is a sucker for a patio near water. For Mrs. Gironda, fall Sundays are the best because she starts and ends her day with football. She is a Giants fan who loves a good “football snack” like nachos or wings.
If a genie granted you 3 wishes right now, what would you wish for?
1. More Time. For Mrs. G, the most precious thing you have is your time. “If you treat your time like money, and you budget it, and you spend it in places that are worthwhile, that’s how you lead the most full life. She would love more time for her family, herself, to do her job better, to be able to travel, and more. She wishes there could be double the time in a regular day, and double the sleep!
2. Health for all, and cures for diseases.
3. Druthers makes a GF version of their street corn mac and cheese. This seasonal mac and cheese is near and dear to Mrs. Gironda’s heart. When she stopped eating gluten, she said it was her “biggest loss.” She is very excited about the new Druthers that opened in Clifton Park; maybe they will add a GF mac and cheese to the menu.
What is something on your bucket list?
Mrs. Gironda would like to travel abroad. She wants to see more of the world, including parts of South America and Asia. Her dream destination changes from day to day, but her love for travel is constant. In the grander scheme of things, if she is able to look back one day and find joy in the little places and little things in life, she will be happy.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
For Mrs. Gironda, it was becoming a mom. She said it’s the hardest and most rewarding thing she’s ever done. Coming back to school after 7 months of being with her baby was challenging. Somebody said to her “it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever love.” She said it breaks you open and changes you as a person. Currently, it’s what she is most proud of.
What is one thing that your students don’t know about you?
Mrs. Gironda has never had Dr. Pepper, and now refuses to drink it on principle. She also speaks on her experience with teachers in general. She said, “No one got into teaching for the money. It’s not why we’re here. There will be days where you think, ‘oh, that is so mean’, or, ‘I don’t like what they did’, but they are trying their best to do what’s best for you. If you can put trust in that, it can go a long way and build great relationships.”