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The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we’ll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about them – beyond their day to day work.

Next up is Devon Moore, who reflects on what she’s grateful for during this season of thanks.

Renee Chmiel: Have you ever had a mentor or someone who inspired you?

Devon Moore: I’m very lucky to have had many mentors and inspiring people in my life. I’m continually inspired by the women in my family – they’re all very independent, thoughtful, and creative. They are always surprising me and inspiring me through the way they approach their lives.

When I was in college, my mom decided to start running, and she ran her first half-marathon in her 50s. I figured if my mom could run 13 miles, I could do it, too! And so I trained, and I have run a few half-marathons. I’ve watched family members overcome adversity, pursue bachelor’s degrees for the first time in their 40s and 50s, and be active members in supporting and giving back to their communities. They continuously remind me to live with tenacity, work hard, and to set and strive to achieve new goals.

RC: What do you like to read?

DM: I do love to read! I read all different types of genres – contemporary biographies, fiction (historical, fantasy), personal growth/development, anything really. I’ve also gotten into audiobooks. I realized I can borrow them from the library on my phone, and I like to listen to them while I walk my dog. I also love Harry Potter, and I’m currently re-reading the series.

RC: How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

DM: I have a big extended family, and we often end up going different ways on Thanksgiving. Many of us will run a local 5K in the morning so we can see each other before going off and spending time with other loved ones. The 5K is one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

Honestly, this may be an unpopular opinion, but Thanksgiving food isn’t really my favorite. I do love mashed potatoes and gravy, though, and I don’t usually have that at any other point during the year.

RC: What do you consider to be an especially important or rewarding moment of your career?

DM: I began my career working in marketing. There were a lot of things that I really liked about it, but ultimately, I felt like it wasn’t quite right for me. I tried to make it work for a while, but eventually I quit. I made preparations to quit, but I didn’t make a clear plan for what I was going to do next. I did some volunteer work, started coaching swimming and working as an English tutor, and decided to pursue a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This set me on a path to teaching and working in academia. I find this type of work so much more interesting and rewarding than where I started. Changing professions has definitely been the most important and rewarding experience of my career so far.

RC: Where did you grow up?

DM: I went to middle school and high school in Higganum, Connecticut. When we first moved out there we had, I think, two stoplights, a pizza place, and a liquor store. Otherwise, there was nothing but trees! When I was young I thought it was SO BORING, but as an adult I recognize it was a great community to raise a family. It was/is very close knit, safe, and low key.

RC: What are you most thankful for?

DM: I’m incredibly thankful for my family. They keep me laughing and learning. I’m also grateful for my partner, Matt, and our dog Tash. I have friends who are scattered all over the country, so I’m also forever grateful for the effort they put in to keep our friendships going, as I’m often the friend who forgets to reply to messages.

RC: What is your favorite fall activity?

DM: Matt and I love hiking, so that’s definitely a favorite fall activity. I also like to go apple picking – I love apples and peanut butter as a snack. I also like to bake, so we’ll usually make a couple apple pies after we go apple picking. My favorite is when we can time it right to pick raspberries and apples in the same day to make apple-raspberry pie.