An Interview with Mrs. Burks, by Mila B. and Sofija N.

Mrs. Burks, JWMS Counselor

What is your favorite thing about our school?

I think one of my favorite things about the school is the staff because it’s more like a family because that’s how everyone is so willing to help each other, and provide ideas and suggestions. And my second reason is the diversity. We have students and staff from all over the world.

Why did you come to Julius West?

There’s lots of reasons why. I’m one of those people who is a lifetime learner. Any opportunity you have to learn something, you take it. Cause I have been at the elementary school level for many years, and this opportunity to grow came up, and I interviewed for it.

How long have you been working here, at JW?

About ten years.

How long have you been working here as a counselor?

Same amount of time. Cause when I came it was a counseling position.

What college did you go to?

Well, there were two. For my undergraduate degree I went to the University of Maryland, and for my graduate degree, I went to Bowie State University.

Are you friends with Mrs. Walker?

Of course! In the counseling department, we are like a family because we see each other all the time.

How many hobbies do you have?

Oh my gosh, how many? Ok I have a lot of hobbies, but they all deal with being creative in different ways and using my hands. So I love resin, and I love using my scrapbook, and seeing family trips and I also enjoy, I don’t do it very well, but I like to draw things.

Do you have any pets?

Oh, do I? Yes. I have 3 dogs and a leopard gecko.

What’s your favorite book/movie?

Ok so, you’re gonna laugh, but my favorite book is "The Snowy Day." It’s written by Ezra Jack Keats, and it is a picture book, it has very few words. It’s a children’s book. And my favorite movie is Shark Tales.

What’s your favorite color?

What do I wear most? Black. It goes well with everything.

Do you have any tattoos?

Yes.

What do you do when you are bored and are outside?

I’m never bored. Seriously. If I’m sitting at the park, I’m observing my surroundings. You would never find me on my phone, unless I’m waiting for my oil change.

Which of your resin molds is your favorite?

I don’t have a favorite mold. The one that I use the most is probably one of my coaster molds, cause I can make little bowls with it as well as a coaster.

When did you start making resin?

A few months ago. Maybe six months ago.

What inspired you to become a counselor?

When I was in the classroom and teaching, yes, you do help students, but it was very different, and I wanted to be in that role.

What is your favorite season?

Fall.

What do you like to do in said season?

I love to take drives to watch the changing of the leaves. I don’t necessarily like raking the leaves.

What’s your favorite subject?

One of my favorite subjects is science.

Is cereal a soup?

No. Because a soup typically contains a broth-like base. Whether it’s a chicken broth or a beef broth or a vegetable broth. Cereal, however, is in milk. And milk is just not a soup.

Is the peanut butter brand pronounced “gif” or “jif”?

Jif.

Is there a specific grade you like counseling better?

No.

How long have you been working in Montgomery County?

36 years.