Courtney Scallan
Courtney Scallan
Occupation: Elementary Teacher at Madison County Schools
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Last summer, I embarked on a journey to Costa Rica for a month by myself to explore the unknown, volunteer with kids, and learn more about myself. While I expected this experience to bring various challenges, I did not completely think through the reality of this adventure when I landed down, took a bus in the pouring rain at night, and arrived at my destination, which consisted of a local Spanish speaking family home with no air conditioning, bunk beds, and sixteen other people. After asking myself, ‘What the hell did I sign up for?’ I got myself together, put on my swimsuit, mapped out the nearest beach, got on the bus, and ventured off to make the best of this experience! Throughout the three weeks, I ended up dancing with a local Zumba class, taught kids a little English but mostly handstands and futbol, witnessed mesmerizing views, met incredible people in all areas of life, found a new appreciation for the small things in life, and reflected on how a simple perspective change can move your course in a different direction. Intentionally getting out of my comfort zone and allowing myself to experience the unknown is what I consider to be one of my greatest achievements!
What’s your all-time favorite Halloween costume?
My roommate and I dressed up for Halloween in college as Snooki and JWoww from the MVT show Jersey Shore. I, being the shorter one, teased my hair as high as it would go, threw on a cheetah dress, and embraced the full Snooki personality! Glitter can still be found in my hair to this day from that night.
What do you miss most about being a kid?
Slip n Slides and trampolines! In all seriousness, I miss the freedom from responsibility and expectations that came with childhood. Growing up, my only worries consisted of whom I was going to “play” with, what was for dinner, and whether I wanted to watch Nickelodeon or Disney Channel. All we ever wanted to do was grow up, if only we could go back for a day!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
If you are looking for me after work hours, you can usually find me on my front porch enjoying a glass of wine, listening to a curated playlist, and conversing with the neighbors that come by! Other times, you can find me attending local community events, hosting Bunco, playing kickball, working on a puzzle, reading by the pool, or traveling to a new city. Intentionally making an effort to do things that genuinely make me happy has transformed my free time!
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Throw me some beads! With my family being from Louisiana and my love for all things cajun, my favorite holiday is Mardi Gras. Each year, I put the purple, yellow, and green flags out on my porch, attend parades, and throw a party with crawfish, king cake, and hurricanes! Geaux Tigers!
What’s something people may not know about you?
Listen, this is a hard one. If you know me, you know I’m an open book. One random thing that people may not know about is my love for theater and Broadway shows. Not having any musical abilities, I auditioned for a munchkin roll by singing God Bless America when I was younger. Surprisingly, they thought I was great, gave me a gray wig, and I was singing “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” in The Wizard of Oz show. My one moment of fame!
What brings you the most joy?
In all areas of my life, I experience the most joy when I am connecting with others including my family, friends, and even the random elderly woman at the nail salon. Whether my classroom full of six and seven-year-olds are telling me off-the-wall stories or I’m sitting at brunch with my friends solving the world’s problems, I am the happiest when I am around others!
What’s your dream vacation destination?
Picture this: Waking up in Hawaii, drinking your morning coffee, and watching the sun rise over the ocean. Walking down to the beach to swim with dolphins and learn how to surf. You look over and see the local hippie selling shark tooth necklaces. A mojito is served under the cabana. Sounds great, right? Come with me!
