Wendy Willingham:
Q: What is your current position/ what do you teach at GHS?
A: I am the 11th grade counselor at GHS.
Q: Where did you work before Germantown?
A: I worked at Germantown Middle for 9 years before coming to GHS.
Q: What was that job like compared to GHS?
A: Working at GMS was completely different because the students were younger and often less mindful of the consequences of their choices and actions. Middle school students rarely realize that choices that they make can affect them down the road, even if down the road is just next week. There also seems to be far less drama in high school. Many of you have outgrown a lot of the drama that you were involved in during middle school. On the other hand, I have known many of you since you were in the 6th grade or perhaps even younger if you have an older sibling who attended GMS. I love getting to watch all of you mature into the people you are destined to become!
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
A: I LOVE college basketball and football, and I LOVE the NFL. I enjoy watching and attending games. I am a Tiger through and through – I bleed blue and gray! I also love the Grizzlies! I travel whenever I can, I love Broadway musicals, I am a classically trained vocalist, and I love much of what Memphis has to offer. There are so many amazing venues, restaurants, festivals, historical sites, and unique opportunities available in Memphis and Shelby County, and I try to experience as many of those as possible. I also have two pugs, Max and Maizi who take up much of my time. They are terrible. You might see them dressed as little Red Devils at school events from time to time.
Q: Do you coach any sports or host any clubs?
A: I do not, but if there's something that's not currently available that you're interested in, let me know! If I can't make it happen, I'll do my best to find someone who can.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
A: YOU! I love working with students. I am so lucky to have known many of you and your families for a long time, and watching you grow up has been my privilege. I so look forward to seeing who you become in the future!
Q: What is the best advice to give students?
A: Your education and experiences are probably the only things that no one can take ever take away from you. The only thing truly standing in your way is YOU. There are no obstacles that you can't overcome with the right attitude, work ethic, and support.
Q: Do you have any fun facts about yourself or hidden talents?
A: I graduated from GHS 20 years ago and even worked in the guidance office as a runner when I was in the 11th grade, so being back feels like coming home!
Justin Timberlake showed up at my 30th birthday party with his then-girlfriend, Cameron Diaz, and they sang happy birthday to me. But... that was a LOOOOOOOONG time ago.
I graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, AL and then did all of my graduate work at Memphis.
I swam with dolphins and sea turtles off the coast of Kauai last summer. Can't wait to go back!
Q: What is your current position/ what do you teach at GHS?
A: I am the 11th grade counselor at GHS.
Q: Where did you work before Germantown?
A: I worked at Germantown Middle for 9 years before coming to GHS.
Q: What was that job like compared to GHS?
A: Working at GMS was completely different because the students were younger and often less mindful of the consequences of their choices and actions. Middle school students rarely realize that choices that they make can affect them down the road, even if down the road is just next week. There also seems to be far less drama in high school. Many of you have outgrown a lot of the drama that you were involved in during middle school. On the other hand, I have known many of you since you were in the 6th grade or perhaps even younger if you have an older sibling who attended GMS. I love getting to watch all of you mature into the people you are destined to become!
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
A: I LOVE college basketball and football, and I LOVE the NFL. I enjoy watching and attending games. I am a Tiger through and through – I bleed blue and gray! I also love the Grizzlies! I travel whenever I can, I love Broadway musicals, I am a classically trained vocalist, and I love much of what Memphis has to offer. There are so many amazing venues, restaurants, festivals, historical sites, and unique opportunities available in Memphis and Shelby County, and I try to experience as many of those as possible. I also have two pugs, Max and Maizi who take up much of my time. They are terrible. You might see them dressed as little Red Devils at school events from time to time.
Q: Do you coach any sports or host any clubs?
A: I do not, but if there's something that's not currently available that you're interested in, let me know! If I can't make it happen, I'll do my best to find someone who can.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
A: YOU! I love working with students. I am so lucky to have known many of you and your families for a long time, and watching you grow up has been my privilege. I so look forward to seeing who you become in the future!
Q: What is the best advice to give students?
A: Your education and experiences are probably the only things that no one can take ever take away from you. The only thing truly standing in your way is YOU. There are no obstacles that you can't overcome with the right attitude, work ethic, and support.
Q: Do you have any fun facts about yourself or hidden talents?
A: I graduated from GHS 20 years ago and even worked in the guidance office as a runner when I was in the 11th grade, so being back feels like coming home!
Justin Timberlake showed up at my 30th birthday party with his then-girlfriend, Cameron Diaz, and they sang happy birthday to me. But... that was a LOOOOOOOONG time ago.
I graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, AL and then did all of my graduate work at Memphis.
I swam with dolphins and sea turtles off the coast of Kauai last summer. Can't wait to go back!