In this edition of Meet the Team, we sat down with Katie Gagliardo, student support advisor at Norwich University Online.
Q: What drew you to Norwich?
A: I admire the history and legacy of the institution. It’s amazing that it’s been around since 1819, keeping traditions, but also adapting to the modern world.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at Norwich?
A: The team I work with is just awesome; everyone is so helpful, knowledgeable, and is always happy to give advice and lend a helping hand when needed. The colleagues are what make Norwich so special. There’s also a lot of flexibility with remote work, which is very much needed during the winter months.
Q: Favorite thing about Norwich’s Residency Conference?
A: I think the best part about Residency is meeting the students in person and be a part of validating the experience. With Residency, they get to come to the actual brick and mortar institution, a physical spot that has so much history and has an actual presence. Having them get to be in the buildings and meet their classmates (along with some instructors and advisors) is a great way to finish the experience at Norwich.
Q: Vermont in Summer? Or Vermont in Winter?
A: I actually don’t ski or snowboard, so I’m all about Vermont in the summer. That’s when I’m most active with running, biking, hiking, and just enjoying the scenery. I do like to snowshoe in the winter, so I’m not doing anything in the winter. Also, I like to go tubing, which doesn’t seem to be much of a thing up here, which is a shame, and a great option for those with zero winter sports talent.
Q: Favorite way to spend a weekend?
A: Typically, I enjoy spending my weekend catching up with friends and going on day trips. As of September 2019, I’m currently in Norwich’s master of public administration program and will be for the foreseeable future, so most of my weekends are dedicated to papers and discussion posts. I’m still able to do fun things, but I have to be more meticulous in my planned fun. Being in the program certainly makes me savor the 2-week break in between seminars a lot more!
Q: What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
A: In 2017, I took a trip to Ireland with four of my cousins. We had never traveled together, but we had a fantastic time and finished the trip by visiting the island of Árainn Mhór, where we have some family still living there. We were able to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the island, and it was an amazing and authentic experience. We’re all in different stages of life now (some married, some in school, etc.), so I don’t know when a trip like that can happen again, but I’ll always treasure the short time we spent there.
Closer to home more recently, I went to the Quebec Winter Carnival for a long weekend. It was so cool seeing all the different snow and ice sculptures, and the parade was well worth the wait. A good reminder that whenever Vermont is cold, Canada is colder, and I’ll definitely be packing more layers whenever I head back next.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: I’m the worst combo; I like to go to bed early and wake up late. I’m typically more on the side of night owl, but I know that getting up early is the best way to do things (especially on a trip), so I try not to let myself sleep in too much if I want to make the most of my day.
Q: What are you currently streaming?
A: I’m a season behind now, but I like Peaky Blinders on Netflix, which is a British crime series following the aforementioned crime group post-WWI in England. It’s not for everyone, but I’m a big fan of the mystery, suspense, and grittiness of it. Plus, all the actors are phenomenal. Thanks for reminding me I need to catch up!
Q: Favorite desk décor item?
A: I currently have a little plant that is still alive, which is very exciting, as I seem to have a black thumb, even for hardy plants.
Q: Where’s your favorite place in the world?
A: I enjoy the town of Asbury Park, in NJ. It’s close to my hometown and has a ton of character. It used to be a run-down area, but it’s since been revitalized and has become a cool spot. It’s best known for the boardwalk, Bruce Springsteen, and beautiful commissioned graffiti.
