Kathleen Ponsot retired on Jan. 30 after six years of working at Prospect. In her role as a health services assistant, she helped to support the nurses through a variety of jobs, such as entering information in school databases, managing school health records and working with kids, especially when the nurse’s office was overwhelmed. She is still regularly at Prospect because she frequently subs for this role.
Q: How did you start working at Prospect?
A: I always wanted to work in a school. My last job, I worked for the village of Arlington Heights, and I was pretty bored. I went back to college when my kids were in college, and I took a medical office administration program at Harper College. I was looking at the office part of nursing since I had a background in secretarial work. When I finished the course, I thought I’d want to work at a hospital, but I was also keeping an eye on nurse’s office jobs. A couple months after I finished my certificate, this job popped up, and it was a fun challenge.
Q: How would you overall describe your time here at Prospect?
A: I have loved it. This job has been the best job I’ve ever had. The students here are kind, considerate and well-mannered. I’ve really enjoyed being in this district, and, in fact, I encouraged my daughter to teach in this district. My family has lived in this community since the 1980s. I think this is a wonderful school district, and I’m very grateful to have been here as long as I have been.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: My favorite part is connecting with people. Sometimes when students come in, especially younger students like the freshmen, they might be a little bit nervous or overwhelmed. I enjoy listening and trying to either provide advice or provide information about resources that are available here. Whether they want to learn about resources or whether they want to come in and rest during their lunch hour, I love being a safe place for students.
Q: What has the community here been like for you?
A: I think this team works so well together, and we’re really supportive of each other. That’s what I’m going to miss the most. Some places you work, it’s just like you’re ready to go home afterward. Not here — I really, I really enjoy my time here.
Q: How do you hope to have left an impact on Prospect?
A: I just hope that students come in here and they see a friendly smile. I hope that they have felt welcomed, understood and heard.
Q: What are your plans for your retirement?
A: I’ve been subbing — four days this week, for example. I hope to travel and I love locations like Wisconsin, Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula. I will also be spending time with my husband, who has been retired for five years, and my children, other family, and friends.
Q: Are there any hobbies or interests that you plan to pursue in your retirement?
A: I joined the Wellness Center to get more into exercising. I learned how to play mahjong now that I have more time. And then I’ve also been doing more reading. I would like to do more with the library — for example, I joined a couple book discussions.
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