Photo by Toffy Prakittiphoom ’24/The Choate News
For the past two years, Ms. Amanda Gilbride has worked in the Language Department as a Chinese teacher. When asked what roles she took on when coming to Choate, Ms. Gilbride explained, “I taught Chinese, coached JV field hockey, and advised students in Nichols. Prior to coming [to Choate], I never played field hockey. It was nice to learn the rules for a new sport.”
Ms. Gilbride’s aptitude for change has been demonstrated in the many different spaces of her Choate life and is particularly exemplified through her willingness to coach field hockey. Especially during the Covid-19 epidemic that occurred during her first year teaching at Choate, drastically changing school life, Ms. Gilbride’s ability to adapt and acclimate was tested. She recounted this experience and said, “I don’t know if I would call this a special moment, but having started in 2020, I had an interesting start to teaching at Choate. Learning to adjust to a new job while trying to follow all of the new rules was very memorable. Because of this, I don’t think I’ve experienced a ‘normal’ year at Choate.”
Ms. Gilbride’s flexibility and adaptability, especially in times of difficulty, is a trait that students often ascribe to her, making her a great teacher, adviser, and coach. Edwin Lopez ’23 noted, “When you fail a test or a presentation, she doesn’t reprimand you or shame you. She is caring and flexible in making sure that you are comfortable and learn the material properly. This, for me, actually motivates me to do better in the class.” He continued, “For kids at Choate, where life is so stressful and busy, it is very valuable to have a teacher like that.” Bella Young ’22, a former Chinese 300 student, shared some similar thoughts, commenting that, “Ms. Gilbride genuinely cared that her students understood the material deeply and was willing to spend extra time helping us to ensure that we could do our best.”
We say goodbye to Ms. Amanda Gilbride and thank her for being a great community member in all the areas that she was participating in. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.
