Jacquelyn L. Mesco (Lovey)

What courses do you teach? FYES1200, EDUC 3263 (Process of LA), READ 3262 (Process of Reading), READ 4251 (Assessment and Correction of Reading Problems), READ 3251 (Children’s Literature), rapture3451 (Reading Across the Curriculum)

How long have you been at Dalton State? This is the beginning of my third year.

Why did you choose Dalton State? My son–in–law went to Dalton State and raved about the quality of the education he received. We visited several times, walked around campus, and really liked the vibe.

Did you always plan to teach at the college level? Why or why not? I never considered teaching at the college level. My background is in Montessori education and I love working in the kindergarten through eighth grade classroom. The opportunity to teach at the college level presented itself after moving to North Georgia, and I decided to try it.

What do you like best about teaching at Dalton State? I really like the students! I really love the School of Education! The students are so excited about what they are doing and so excited to learn about teaching! The enthusiasm is contagious!

What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments while at Dalton State? Starting the Study Abroad program in Costa Rica for the School of Education and my work in the community such as partnering with schools in Dalton, Whitfield and Catoosa County and creating Saturday Academy with Dean Sharon Hixon as well as the afterschool tutorial program for pre-school students.

What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? Hiking Cloudland Canyon, the food scene in Chattanooga, DSC basketball games!

If you could add any class to the curriculum at Dalton State what would it be? Introduction to Montessori Education

What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? Caught in the Act of Great Teaching. During my first semester at Dalton State, my students nominated me for the award, Caught in the Act of Great Teaching. I was conferencing one on one with students and Andy Meyer kept walking past my office door (I did not know exactly who he was but I thought he was kind of a big deal). I kept working with students and finally Dean Sharon Hixon came into my office with a very cross tone and said, “Dr. Mesco, I need to see you in the classroom.” I was so confused- I did not know all of the rules as a college professor (still don’t) and I walked out of my office ready to get into trouble. Rage, cheerleaders, Andy Meyer, and my class were all there clapping for me. I was completely surprised and completely overwhelmed. I did not know how to teach at the college level and wanted so badly to be a good teacher. It cemented my love of teaching and created my newfound love of Dalton State College.

What is the last book you read? Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

What’s on your iPad? Huffington Post, Facebook

Favorite comfort food? A cheeseburger

If you had a theme song, what would it be?  “You’ll Never Know” sung by Rosemary Clooney

Favorite line from a movie? “Do you love him Loretta? Yeah, Ma. That’s Too bad.” from Moonstruck

What is your guilty pleasure? Going to lunch! As a classroom teacher for so long, I never had the opportunity to go to lunch. During the summer, my colleagues and I would go on great big long lunches, sit, and visit for hours. The decadence of eating with grown-ups still makes me very happy.

What do you feel most proud of? Fall of 2012- I completed my dissertation and was hooded at Georgia Southern for my doctorate, moved my husband to Dalton, worked full time in Savannah as a fourth/fifth grade Montessori teacher, sold our house, and moved into a rental while raising four daughters.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be? The two rings my husband gave me when we were married 32 years ago, my bracelets, a notebook with notes my grandmother wrote when she first met my grandfather, a picture of five generations which includes my grandmother, my father, me, my daughter and my granddaughter, and the collection of pitchers I received from both of my grandmothers.

If you won the lottery, what would you do? Pay off my debts, such as the mortgage and then share the rest with my parents and my daughters.

What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would love to learn a musical instrument.

What cheers you up? Talking to my family and friends

What is your favorite book? The Good Earth by Pearl Buck

Who is your hero? A toss-up between Dr. Maria Montessori for her Peace Education and President Barack Obama

Who would play you in the movie version of your life? Bette Midler

What is your favorite childhood memory? Rushing out on Christmas morning to find that Santa left me a puppy. I had him from age 12 until after I was married and had my first child.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Dr. Maria Montessori

What is your favorite app? I don’t really have one.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Currently 212 Market in Chattanooga

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A pediatrician

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a part of the Roadrunner Nation has helped me be a better person. Great, smart, competent people surround me. Coming to Dalton Sate was never part of my “life plan.” I thought I would be teaching in a Montessori school until they asked me to leave. The Roadrunner Nation has embraced me and made me feel welcome. I have grown professionally, thanks to the mentoring by other faculty members. I have grown personally because of the different challenges Dalton State has presented such as working with a different demographic. I feel like I have found a new place to roost and work.