Staff Spotlight: Meet Barbara Creasy

Watch/listen to the interview here.

Tell Us a Bit About Yourself

I was born in Ireland, and you may be able to tell that by my red hair and my very fair complexion. I moved to Massachusetts in the United States as a child, and now I live in Florida, which is called the Sunshine State because it’s usually sunny and very warm.

What Is Your Role at Hudson Global Scholars?

I am a Classroom Success Manager at Hudson Global Scholars. I love that I can help students feel that they can be successful in their courses if they are dedicated to their outcomes.

Many times, I’ve met with a student who was struggling in a course and felt like they just couldn’t do it. I showed them some skills that made it easier, and that made me feel good and reminded me why I’m here in this role.

How Does Your Work Support Students?

The person supporting students at their campus may reach out and say that a student is struggling and not sure what to do—maybe they are having challenges with time management, not sure how to upload an assignment, or don’t know how to get started and set weekly goals.

I meet with them, we look at the course, where they are and where they need to be. We talk about skills and how they are going to get back on pace or improve their overall grade. Most importantly, I help give them the confidence to feel they can do this, because I believe every student wants to be successful—they just sometimes don’t know where to start. I help them find that starting point.

What Has Your Journey in Education Been Like?

I have been in education for 20 years. I started working in public schools, then moved to private schools, and I’ve worked in the front office as well.

One of my favorite memories is from when I worked in the front office. A first grader came to me after the movie Frozen had come out, and she had beautiful long blonde hair. She asked, “Mrs. Creasy, can you do my hair like Elsa?” I braided it for her, and she held her head high for the next three days. Every day I saw her come in, she had those braids and felt like a princess.

If You Could Design a Course, What Would It Be?

My course would be called Resiliency and Perseverance, because learning and becoming an adult can be challenging.

If you learn skills that teach you how to push through tough times, you will develop a positive mindset to keep working, and your hard work will be worth your efforts.

What Influenced Your Career Path?

When I was young, my mother would remind us that education was the path to a better life. My brother became a school principal, my sister became a doctor, and I chose a career in education.

At first, my mom thought I should become a nurse, but I knew I wanted to be in education. Over the years, I’ve grown into my role, and I absolutely love what I do. Everything I am and have become is because my mother reminded us how important education is for building a better life.

How Did You Know You Chose the Right Path?

I think when you know yourself and where your strengths lie, if you follow that, you will be successful.

Sometimes people will say, “I see you in this role,” and suggest a different path for you. But I knew that I was nurturing, that I wanted to see people succeed, and that was rewarding to me. I probably could have done that as a nurse, but I knew I wanted to work with young people.

I followed that instinct, and I ended up exactly where I belong. I’ve never looked back.

What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?

I love to stay active, especially living in Florida where it’s sunny almost every day. I exercise regularly—I play golf, pickleball, and tennis every week, and I also go to the gym.

I believe a healthy body equals a healthy mind, so I try to move every day and stay fit.

What Was Your Favorite Subject in School?

My favorite subject has always been business. Learning how to run a business and improve processes has always interested me. I’m a problem solver, and I enjoy finding solutions for students, families, and coworkers.

What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?

Be patient. The best is yet to come. Be true to yourself, stay goal-oriented, and don’t let anyone distract you from your goals.

Where Would You Love to Travel?

I would love to visit Greece. I recently spoke with a team member there, and she showed views from her home with mountains and olive trees—it looks so different from the flatlands of Florida.

It’s such a beautiful place with rich history, and I think it would be an amazing place to visit.

What Superpower Would You Choose?

I would choose the ability to heal people. My sister is a doctor, and it’s so rewarding to help people feel better and become healthier. I would love to visit people who are sick and help them feel better—it would be a wonderful superpower.

Who Would You Invite for Coffee?

I would invite my grandmother—my mother’s mother. I would love to learn what Ireland was like when she was young, so I could better understand where I came from.

It would help me understand how my personality was shaped by her experiences.

How Are You Involved in Your Community?

I volunteer at my local botanical garden, and I love gardening. I spend time each day caring for plants—trimming, planting, and maintaining my garden.

I also participate in community groups, play on a tennis team, and join a pickleball group. Staying active and connected in my community is very rewarding for me.

Why Is Community Important for Students?

Being a virtual learner can sometimes feel lonely. You may be working online and not feel connected to others.

Connecting with students from different countries and backgrounds helps you understand new cultures and build friendships that can last for years. It also helps you feel supported—and gives you the opportunity to support others.

It’s very important to feel connected to other people.

How Do You Encourage Students to Get Involved?

When I meet with students, I ask them if they are interested in joining one of our clubs or activities. It helps them feel that they belong and that what they bring to the school is valued.

Why Should Students Join Activities Outside Their Classes?

Just like at a traditional school, being part of a club enhances your experience. By engaging with others outside the classroom, you can meet students with similar interests—or completely different ones—which helps you grow your perspective and interests.

What Final Advice Would You Give Students?

Be flexible. Some students know exactly what they want to do, and others are still figuring it out—and that’s okay.

Try different classes, explore your interests, and see what fits. It’s okay to change your path, and sometimes it can make you even happier.

Staff Spotlight interview with Barbara Creasy, Classroom Success Manager at Hudson Global Scholars.