By Desiree Williams
Erin Watson (Weisenbach) is a 2013 graduate of Fishers High School. She lives in Annapolis, Md., where she works for IntegraCare senior living communities.
Q: What was your favorite subject in high school and why?
A: Etymology. It really helped with AP classes, the SATs and college classes later on. There are some things you learn in high school and think, “Will I ever need to know this?” Etymology is 100 percent applicable to everyday life.
Q: Who was your most influential teacher and why?
A: Shawn Crull taught my Computer Applications and Intro to Marketing class. He was such a positive influence as a teacher. He was always willing to really listen to us as high school students. Randy Wheeler was my weights class teacher. He was so encouraging during my senior soccer season when I was out for an ACL tear. He pushed me to focus during recovery to come back and finish strong for track.
Q: Can you tell me about your collegiate experience?
A: I graduated from Indiana University in 2016 with a bachelor of science in health care management and policy and a minor in psychology. I attended CRU, led Bible studies and was in a fitness group called CHAARG. I was a waitress at Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream in Bloomington. I also studied abroad in London and Barcelona for six weeks the summer before my senior year.
Q: Why did you choose that major?
A: I wanted to work in health care but didn’t have the stomach for hands-on care. All of my grandparents lived in either assisted living or memory care, so that held a special place in my heart. When I studied health administration at IU, I chose to focus on internships in long-term care. I knew that was the field for me.
Q: What was your path post-graduation?
A: I worked for Miller’s Health Systems and received my license to be a skilled nursing administrator. Then, I ended up moving to Maryland to be closer to my boyfriend, now husband. I worked as an associate sales rep for Medline Industries in their post-acute division. I now have a new role as a sales and marketing director for a new assisted-living (facility)opening in Annapolis.
Q: Do you have any advice for younger students?
A: It can be tough in high school to find the right balance, but take as many AP classes as you can. It is well worth it. If you have the chance to study abroad in college, do it. There will never be another time in your life where you could go out of the country for an extended period of time to solely be immersed in the culture.
I never, ever thought I would end up living in Maryland, 600 miles away from home. Enjoy your time at home with your parents, family and friends. Don’t take them for granted.
