Jodie De Jesus ’21
As this unusual school year comes to a close, we also bid farewell to an OKS community staple: Ms. Joan Paster. A beloved member of our Oak Knoll family, Ms. Paster has done so much for the school over the course of her time here, and we wish her well in her retirement and future beyond. Featured below is an interview with Ms. Paster, in which she recounts her years at Oak Knoll and offers some final words of wisdom:
How long have you been at OKS?
This will be the end of my 30th year! I started in 1990, working part-time. Then, in March of that year, a colleague in the history department left, so I took over his courses and became full-time!
What made you stay for that long?
First, I’ve stayed this long because I was really given so many opportunities to grow, as both a person and a teacher. I was always offered new opportunities that were challenging and that allowed me to learn and do new things. I just found that so stimulating! Secondly, Oak Knoll is an exceptional community. The students are so wonderful to work with, my colleagues are top notch, and the parents want the best for their daughters. We talk about how we’re a big family, but it just seems even bigger than that. I can’t even put it into words – we are just truly unique!
What were the different positions you held at OKS?
I started off as a history teacher and have obviously continued in that role. But I’ve also been a homeroom teacher, and I was made president of the Cum Laude Society in 1992. There was only 1 or 2 years in my 30 that I did not teach. I was actually asked to be a guidance counselor then because we had been without a guidance program for a little. Although I had no training, I knew the students and parents well, so they felt I could bridge the gap! I did that for 2 years until our leadership structure changed to then include the two deans.
Which was your favorite position?
I have loved being dean! It really surprised me, because I’m one of those people who very much likes to plan. And as dean, I may think one thing is going to happen on a given day, but things change and I’m constantly surprised; no two days are ever the same. I have really thrived on that, but the thing is, I also love and need to teach! The few years where I wasn’t teaching, I was miserable. I just really wanted to be back in the classroom! It’s important because, when you’re in the classroom, you understand more about what the students are going through.
What are you going to miss most?
I will really miss the community, the teamwork, and that sense of working together towards the same goal. I just think that’s really rare, and I know nothing can compare with our Oak Knoll community, from the students, colleagues, parents, and even alumni! I love going to Homecoming and getting to learn all that our students have accomplished. It’s truly amazing.
What is your favorite OKS memory?
I really don’t have just one favorite OKS memory! My favorite ones are working with individual students and seeing them grow. To be part of that process is just so special and rewarding. Some other favorite memories I have are organizing and executing Cum Laude. I love making that call to parents, as well as when the students get to come up on stage and I can deliver that oath of membership. Finally, I loved organizing new courses. I’ve organized a women’s studies course, a global issues course, and even the immigration and U.S. survey courses that we still have today!
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned while at OKS?
To be flexible! You can plan and plan, but clearly, as we’ve learned this spring, life also has plans and you can’t control them. You just have to figure out the best way to carry on, in spite of whatever the adversity is.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen at OKS through the years?
Well, certainly, technology. When I first got to Oak Knoll, there really were no computers. So I’ve watched us go from desktops to laptops to now holding classes via Zoom. 30 years ago, that would’ve been such an alien concept! And then physically, a lot has definitely changed, too. We went from having the Campion Center be the gym and auditorium in one, and now we have upgraded science labs, art studios, music and drama spaces, the prayer garden, and the fields. All of that happened over the course of my time here, and I think Oak Knoll is to be commended for what it has done with the limited space we have. It’s pretty remarkable!
Do you have any big plans for retirement? What are some things you’re looking forward to?
I’m moving to an adult community in Greensboro, North Carolina. It’s a lovely place, and I’ve had a sister and brother-in-law live there. It’s just time to relax a little bit! I’ve been teaching for almost 50 years, and your body and mind have a way of telling you when it’s time to slow down. I hope to be doing something with students when I get there, since my brother-in-law is a former head of Greensboro Day School. Mainly, though, I don’t really have anything particular I want to do other than explore. I think it’ll be so refreshing to just do things spontaneously now!
Finally, do you have any parting words of wisdom for the OKS community?
I would just say to stay true to the mission of Oak Knoll. Stay true to your individual self, your collective self, and always put the students’ needs first!