PW Classmates: Are you married? Kids? 

Suzie: I currently live in Worcester, PA, with my husband, Mark Newman, PW Class of ’79. People like to say I married the boy next door, but he really lived 3 doors away, and our families have always been friends.

We have two children. Our son, Alex, 29, works in consulting and currently lives in Fishtown with his fiancée, Allie, who is a surgical nurse. Our daughter, Peri, 26, lives in Hershey and is a third-year medical student at Penn State College of Medicine. Both kids attended Penn State, following in the footsteps of my husband, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Although my undergraduate degree is from Temple, we bleed blue and white!

PW Classmates: What do you do now for work? And what has your career path been?

Suzie: After graduating from high school, I attended Elizabethtown College for one year, then transferred to Temple University, where I majored in Elementary Education. I worked as a substitute teacher before obtaining a classroom position in the School District of Philadelphia. While working, I furthered my education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Principal’s Certificate, both from Penn State. After teaching for about 11 years, I left the classroom for a position within the district as an Instructional Coach, working with new teachers and administrators to improve instructional practices for about 10 years before returning to the classroom. I retired in October of 2022, after 35 years with the School District of Philadelphia. Although it was a tough gig, I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I loved teaching the children and mentoring teachers.

During retirement, I have held and currently still hold a few part-time jobs. I worked at Holy Family University for a short time as an adjunct professor in their College of Education. I currently work for the Germantown Historic Society as an educator for their History Hunters Program, providing tours of historic houses to 4^th and 5^th-grade students.

In addition to that, I am a per diem Professional Learning Specialist for Imagine Learning, a curriculum company, where I facilitate professional learning for teachers and administrators. Although it sounds like I work a lot in retirement, most of the time I work 5 days out of the month, except during back-to-school season, when the curriculum company is busiest.

Since retiring, my husband and I have started traveling more now that we are empty nesters and don’t have to wait for holidays or summers. I have also been able to rekindle old friendships and build new ones. I enjoy working out regularly, reading, playing Mahjongg, completing jigsaw puzzles, going to the theater, cooking, and spending time with my family. I am a recurring participant in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day breast cancer walk. This is a major commitment pledging to walk 60 miles in 3 days over the course of a weekend while raising money and awareness for breast cancer research, detection and treatment. This requires a lot of time training and fundraising, and has allowed me the great fortune of widening my friendship circle.

PW Classmates: What did you dream of becoming when you were in high school?

Suzie: I am unsure if I dreamt of becoming or doing anything significant while in high school. I think I was going through the motions, living day by day, and did not envision my future self. I was not studious; I just wanted to (and still love to) socialize. There were a few careers I thought I was interested in, but education was not one of them. I had one criterion for going to college: to live away from home.

PW Classmates: What advice would you give to your high school self?

Suzie: I often think of my younger self and realize what happened in high school was a moment in time. I believe my growth as a person occurred after college when responsibility hit me. I gained a new independence and outlook on life. I have become more secure in who I am, and I try to stand up for myself, my beliefs, and what is important to me. I no longer have time for the drama, and I wish I could have realized that in high school.

PW Classmates: What advice do you have for others about creating your best life?

Suzie: Do what brings you the most happiness and fulfills you. I often told the people I worked with that if you are no longer enjoying what you do, it is time to make a change. Change is good; it helps us grow. Take the opportunities available to you today because you do not know what tomorrow will bring. I was fortunate enough to retire at 58. I knew from the beginning of my career that no matter how much I loved teaching, there were greater opportunities ahead, and I would retire on the date stated on my pension. I unfortunately know too many people who were diagnosed with diseases once they retired and did not get to enjoy the fruits of their labors. I did not want to be one of those people.

PW Classmates: What would you like to say to all of your classmates today?

Suzie: To my high school classmates — we knew each other when we were so young! Life takes many twists and turns; we are not the same people we were back then. It is amazing how we have become productive individuals leading our best lives. I truly love reading/hearing about people from high school on social media.

Connect with Suzie on Facebook: Suzanne Wolfert Newman and Instgram: suzannenewman637

Click here to support her fundraiser: Susan G. Komen 3-Day campaign