This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Marina Stevenson is a recent mother and an avid lover of the outdoors. She is a Brookline native and alumna. Her passion for learning has brought her back to continue work here as a paraprofessional in the Learning Center. Outside of school, she loves to go on walks with her son, and she aspires to visit Mexico City one day.
Where did you go to high school?
Here at Brookline High School — Class of 2019! Obviously, I’m coming here now, seeing things differently than I did then. High school is challenging in a lot of ways, especially being in a very high-pressure place like Brookline High, but I think now that I’ve grown a bit, I’m realizing that life isn’t all stress. You don’t have to put so much pressure on yourself. It’s good to be back.
What is your favorite book?
It’s a hard choice. One of my favorite books is “The Miniaturist.” It’s a historical fiction slash fantasy book. It’s about a young girl, and she’s set up in this arranged marriage. Then there is this element of fantasy, because all these crazy events are happening around her. And then this mysterious figure is leaving miniature figures and dolls for her that are also people in her life.
What was a highlight you had this summer?
Just being outside. I love nature. I didn’t do anything crazy, but I like taking my son to the parks and exploring a bit with him; that was fun.
Do you have a favorite TV show or movie?
One of my favorite movies is “Little Miss Sunshine.” It’s a little older, but it’s about this family and a little girl who wants to be in a beauty pageant. The family is a little bit dysfunctional, and they travel around in their family van to go to this beauty pageant. It is kind of about the family dysfunction, but it’s a really sweet movie.
Do you have a favorite actor?
I really like Steve Carell. I think he’s a really great actor. I think he’s so funny, and I think he’s done such a range of roles over the years. He’s really talented.
Who was somebody who influenced you when you were in high school?
In high school, my teachers definitely did, specifically, my Spanish teachers. I was a big nerd in Spanish class; I loved it so much. They are all still teachers here, too, which is really cool: Ms. Toby, Mr. Mendez and Ms. Fuertes. They are the most amazing people to me, and I still speak Spanish today. I just really appreciated them as teachers, and I think learning a language is so important and a really awesome life skill. It makes you a better, more empathetic and understanding person in general. I am really thankful for the teachers that I’ve had.
