Each Wednesday, The Citizen features someone in the food services industry from the Finger Lakes community in The Banks:

This week, we spotlight Patricia Bodine-Oxford of East-Middle School.

Each Friday, The Citizen features someone in education from the Finger Lakes community in The Banks:

This week, we spotlight Patricia Bodine-Oxford of East Middle School.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job and why?

A. To be able to help children and families work through challenges and problems.

Q. What is the most challenging aspect of the job and why?

A. There are never enough hours in the day to get it all done.

Q. What was your most embarrassing moment?

A. There are so many, but one that comes to mind was when I was trying to introduce a new student to a teacher who I knew well. I drew a complete blank on the teacher's last name.

Q. What is a student's key to success in school?

A. I think any student's key to success is to bring a willingness to learn, not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

Q. What is the funniest question a student has ever asked you?

A. A young girl in fourth-grade once wrote me a note asking me if I could help her with her #“self of steam#” (self-esteem).

Q. If you hadn't selected teaching, what career would you have pursued?

A. I probably would have pursued a career in medicine. I think I would have loved to be a doctor.

Q. Please fill in the blanks. When you were in school, you had the toughest time in ____ because ____.

A. My art class because I am totally untalented.

Q. Please fill in the blank. The best teacher you ever had was ______.

A. Marlene Gugula, my sixth-grade teacher.

Q. Why did you choose your subject area?

A. Because I wanted to help.

Q. What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

A. I listen to very loud music in my car.