Her love of literature also drives her enthusiastic involvement in the school community. “I’ve loved reading since I was a kid, and … talking about books and writing, it all just came more [naturally] to me than math or science did … I was always going to do something with English literature or English language,” Applebaum said.

Applebaum came to CHS last semester, helping Ken McGraw.  He suggested that she interview with with Judith DeWoskin.  “I worked with Ken the past winter, from January through April, and now I get to work with Judith, who are two of the most stellar English teachers I’ve ever met. So, I’m learning a lot,” she said.  Applebaum has also enjoyed her active role in the classroom. “I’ve had several opportunities now to teach lessons, and I will be teaching an entire unit in a few weeks. But also I’m … a supporting player. I help with a lot of the grading … it’s always nice to have an extra set of hands around,” she said.

Above all, Applebaum has appreciated the supportive and positive atmosphere found at CHS. Upon arriving, she was surprised and impressed by the level of freedom CHS students experience, and the mutual respect found between students and faculty. “More than anything I really want to take away … the way that the teachers interact with their students,” Applebaum said. “I see so much admiration and respect on both sides, and I really want to carry that over into my classroom, wherever I end up.”