Women’s History Month Q&A – Abby Kruse

Abby Kruse is in her 1st year teaching Spanish 1 at CCHS.  Abby is also involved with the Spanish and Drama Clubs.  Recently, she got an idea to begin a "Textile Arts" Club next year to do service projects via knitting and crocheting.  When Abby is not teaching on Cherry Street, you can usually find her at the Toledo Zoo in the reptile house.  She works in their education department during the summer.

What advice would you give women in your field?
3 wisdoms I live by:
- Stand up for yourself and others.
- No is a complete sentence.
- Seek first to understand.

Tell us about a woman you look up to and why.
I have too many influential women in my life to choose from, so I'll name someone I don't know personally.  I've long admired Dolly Parton for her philanthropy work and homage to her background.  My niece and nephew have benefited from her early literacy program, Dolly's Imagination Library.  It provides books monthly for young children and is available in every state, as well as 3 countries.  I look up to her because she is an example of using your wealth and fame to achieve some good.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?
It's a time to focus on people and accomplishments often glossed over or left out entirely.  Like Black History Month, I think it's nice to have a month in the spotlight, but the lessons we teach and learn during this time really ought to be integrated into every day education.  Women's history and Black history is American history!

What makes Central Catholic a SPECIAL place?
I feel trusted as a professional here and welcomed.  It's large and diverse, and there are a lot of opportunities for students and staff to get involved.  I also appreciate how the school partners with various organizations in the greater Toledo community.