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Interview questions for Northfield Reads & Counts and
the Off-Campus Work Study Program Participants

Anna Coffey ’11
Hometown: Holden Village, Washington

I work at All Saints Church in the nursery.  I am the primary caretaker of children who’s family attend All Saints Church.  I usually work with infants and young children. It is my job to supervise the children—we read stories, draw, play, and do puzzles. I decided to work off campus because I liked the idea of working in the community, and getting to know non-college students.

When I came to college, I missed the multi-generational aspect of a community.  College students are great, but it’s a pretty narrow view of the world.  Working off-campus grounds me a bit, it helps me remember that the world doesn’t have to revolve around campus life and classes.  For a few hours I don’t have to worry about homework and scheduling.  I really like getting to know children and their parents, and moving to a different rhythm. It’s challenging mostly because it’s not conveniently located on campus.

I decided to work at All Saints Church again this year a good experience there last year and wanted to keep it up. I have a great relationship with my site supervisor, Pat. She is great and really cares about how I’m doing and if I’m comfortable with everything. 

My position has taught me invaluable people skills, working with both kids and parents.  You have to learn to be flexible when working with kids, and open to what they can teach you.  Some days we just read stories, and some days we are in an imaginary world where we eat eyeballs with frosting.  You have to be willing to be creative.

The Center for Experiential Learning resources have helped make this experience possible. It has been a very streamlined process. Everyone at All Saints Church is very warm and welcoming.  Pam, my main liaison, is wonderful.  She’s very eager to make sure that I am doing well, and makes every effort to be considerate of any of my needs.