By: Will Sinor
There have been many new additions to our faculty this year, but one stands out. She teaches French and Psychology and is currently engaged to a Holy Cross alumnus. I sat down with Miss Tardo and asked about her time here so far and about her life up to this point. Meet, Miss Tardo:
Will Sinor (WS): Where were you born?
Miss Tardo: “I was born in New Orleans, but I’ve lived in Chalmette my whole life.”
WS: Which schools have you attended since middle school?
MT: “I went to school at the infamous Chalmette High. Such a traitor! I also went to LSU for my bachelors & currently go to University of Holy Cross for my masters.”
WS: What degrees do you currently have and what are you working towards?
MT: “At LSU, I majored in Psychology and minored in French. At the University of Holy Cross, my graduate program specialized in clinical mental health counseling.”
WS: How did you find your way to Holy Cross?
MT: “Mrs. Garrett, the Spanish teacher here, reached out to me when Mrs. Hayers was about to go on her maternity leave last year, and she asked if I was interested in interviewing for the substitute French teaching position, so I said sure! Long story short, Mrs. Hayers decided to become a stay at home mom (Can you blame her? Have you seen how cute her baby is?!), and I was offered the full time French position as well as psychology since that’s what I majored in. Also, my fiancé graduated from here in 2013, so we’re an HC orientated family.”
WS: How has your Holy Cross experience been so far?
KT: “So far my Holy Cross experience has been amazing. It’s truly a family over here, and I’ve never experienced that at any school I’ve attended. I love my students & all of the faculty and staff here. Everyone’s been kind & helpful towards me.”
WS: If you were stranded on an island, which three items would you bring?
KT: “If I was stranded on an island and I could only bring 3 things, I would bring my dogs (it’s two dogs but one category so I’m counting it as one), my favorite book, and some sketching materials so I could draw in my free time.”
WS: What’s your favorite movie, and where would you go for your dream vacation?
KT: “My favorite movie would have to be Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I’m a huge Audrey Hepburn fan! My dream vacation would be a trip all around Europe. I want to see it all!”
WS: If you could have superpowers, would you use it for good or for evil?
KT: “Definitely good. There’s a lot of ugly in this world, and a lot of misunderstood people. I would want to be the good for those individuals.”
WS: Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength?
KT: “I think crying is a sign of strength for sure. It’s so unhealthy to hold things in. We’re humans; we have so many emotions, situations get complicated, and sometimes stress is unbearable. Crying is proof that you’ve processed your emotions and you accept reality, which is a sign that you’re ready to move on and be stronger.”
WS: Would you rather have $50,000 free and clear or $1,000,000 that is illegal?
KT: “I have the biggest guilty conscious. I don’t even think I could steal bubble gum, plus I’m marrying a police officer, so I’m definitely going to go with $50,000 free!”