Sara Sonsalla is the new Upper School Counselor, replacing Kelsey Morgan. During an interview with Dateline, Sonsalla discussed why she chose to become a counselor, her favorite ways to spend her free time and more.
International Dateline (ID): Where are you from?
Sara Sonsalla: I grew up in New Jersey and I have spent the second part of my life in D.C. I went to American [University] as an undergrad and stayed here for eight more years. I was in Philly for two years [working] in a low-income charter high school. Then, I moved to New York City for about 14 months.
ID: How did you know you wanted to pursue this career?
Sonsalla: My mom was a disabilities counselor at the college level my whole life. I always saw the relationships that she formed with her students and the things that she did for them and helped them get through some really hard times, even not social-emotionally, but physically and mentally. That was really inspirational for me.
ID: What do you love to do in your free time?
Sonsalla: I like to play every sport. I’m willing to try literally any sport. I like just wandering in nature, finding random parks to go to and having picnics. I also like wandering the National Mall and reading.
ID: Who is your favorite fictional character from any movie, book or TV show?
Sonsalla: One is Dottie Hinson from “A League of Their Own.” When World War II started, all the men [were] drafted over-seas, so they started baseball for women and she was their star athlete. I also love Giselle, from the movie “Enchanted.” I just love that she’s so naive but, at the same time, she has the most tender heart.
By Selena Said