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Kendra Zaffuto ’12 (Childhood and Special Ed.) and ‘14 (Master of Literacy Ed.): Successful Alumni Spotlight
Kendra Zaffuto ’12 (Childhood and Special Ed.) and ‘14 (Master of Literacy Ed.) felt like she grew up at Roberts. As a child she took swimming lessons, attended several sports camps, played soccer on the fields, ran around the track and cross-country trails and watched Space Jam at a community night at Garlock! When she first started her college search in high school, she looked at schools that were bigger and a bit further away from home, but in the end, Roberts had everything she was looking for: a solid education in a tight-knit and supportive community.
Reflecting on her undergraduate days at Roberts, Kendra said “Not only did Roberts give me the academic and spiritual foundation that I needed for my career, but the people of Roberts taught me through example how to build strong relationships and make a difference in the lives of my students.”
Kendra shared that the cross-country and track coaches were influential as she competed at the collegiate level. The athletic facilities helped her to become a stronger athlete with the support of the coaches and staff. “Academically, my undergraduate and graduate teacher education professors provided guidance and insight as I worked my way through my coursework and the job application process, which was very helpful,” said Kendra. “I would not be the person I am today if it were not for these people helping me though my college years,” she said.
Kendra is a sixth grade math and social studies teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, which is also her alma mater. The sixth grade program at Our Lady of Mercy has grown significantly since she started almost four years ago. It has grown from two classrooms and 36 students in 2012 to 69 students and three classrooms in 2016. “There have been many ups and downs throughout my initial years as a teacher, but God has always been a constant in my life, especially helping me though the stressful and challenging times,” said Kendra. “I am so excited for the future of our sixth grade program at Mercy, and I know that God will be with us every step of the way!” she said. Teaching is often referred to as a “calling”. Despite its many challenges, teaching offers rewards that go far beyond the classroom. Her advice for future educators would be to make the most out of their field placements and stay resilient in their search to find the teaching position that is right for them. “I would like to reassure current Roberts students that they will be well-prepared to enter the teaching profession after graduation,” said Kendra.
Kendra’s hope for the next 150 years would be for a bright future. She hopes that more people in the Greater Rochester community hear about what Roberts has to offer. It is great school, full of hard-working people who are transforming the lives of many!
Kendra attends St. Christopher's Church in North Chili. Roberts has been a family affair. Her father (Raymond '78), mother (Charlene '78), and sister (Kaitlynn '14) are all alumni of the College.