Kathy Elizabeth Perla
- Position: Forensics Science Teacher
- Degrees & Alma Mater: Bachelor’s of science in biology with a minor in criminal justice
- Years at Caney Creek: 2
- Years Teaching: 5
Questions
How would other people describe your high-school self?
My high school self was probably really shy and reserved. I was involved in everything though, I was a little bit of a social butterfly but only to those that I knew.
Was there a career you wanted to pursue OR pursued before teaching?
I wanted to pursue dentistry. That’s what I went to college originally for, wanting to be a dentist. That didn’t work out, so I tried to do nursing; after applying once and getting in, I just didn’t try it again.
Tell us about how you got into teaching.
Well, I got into high school teaching because during COVID, there was a need for substitutes.
What do you do outside of school for fun? Why?
Sometimes I like to take time just for myself and I just sit in silence honestly, I spend a lot of time trying to avoid my phone and school because sometimes I just like watching those videos about organizing and cleaning. I like to cook a lot I can bake, and I like to just go out to dinner with friends and go to karaoke.
When people get to know you, what are they most surprised to learn about you?
I guess they’re actually surprised that I can be pretty funny or I’m kind of laid back and non judgmental.
Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.
Well, I guess one thing that I’m really proud about myself in general was the fact that I stepped up to help out my sister who was going through a lot of domestic violence with her partner.
Who is someone you are thankful for and why?
I’m thankful for my parents, because they sacrificed a lot. Coming to this country and giving me an opportunity to do the things that they couldn’t do.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To be nicer to myself and also to have confidence that I can do the things. I’m able to do the hard things because I guess I never really had anybody tell me but I wish I would have told myself that it’s going to be okay. Life is a journey not a destination exactly.
What do you hope to be remembered for?
I hope that when people ever came across me or talk to me that I was able to to help them in some way or even even if it was just to, you know, to have a good conversation that they can remember like dang and that was such a good conversation I had with Miss Perla or that she made me feel like I mattered you know for us that’s what I guess want to be remembered that that make people feel like they matter
What’s on your bucket list?
To attend a World Cup at some point in my lifetime which you know, now that it’s been hosted here and like, you know, in Texas I’m like that can actually might be able to cross that one off. A lot of it has to do with travel .
Favorites
- Food: Asian and Korean BBQ
- Restaurant: Fabulous Pho
- Music: Anything ’90s-2000s
- TV Show: “Shameless & Game Of Thrones”
- Movie: “Lilo and Stitch”
- Book: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
- Teacher: Spanish teacher Mrs. Salgado
