Getting to know a gcLi Lab Scholar–Erin Reimel Clements
by Erin Reimel Clements, Director of Alumnae Engagement at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School in Lower Gwynedd, PA
1. Who are your favorite writers?
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote my favorite book of all time—The Little Prince. I read it in French class when I was in high school, and it has stuck with me ever since. It is the perfect book for children and adults.
2. Who are your heroes in real life?
My husband, Jake, is my hero. I have seen him grow in so many ways since we met. He has been through some of the toughest experiences, yet he remains kind and compassionate. He is a fantastic communicator, a leader, and he cares deeply for the people in his life.
3. Who or what motivated you to become an educator?
The school I attended and currently work at, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, and all the teachers I had there really inspired me to come back and help students to become the most confident, capable versions of themselves.
4. Your idea of happiness…
I have two very different ideas of happiness.
- Traveling the world, learning about different cultures, and eating amazing local food.
- Sitting on my couch with my husband and dog, drinking a cup of tea, and watching reality television as we shout at the screen.
5. In a nutshell, what is your definition of leadership?
To me, a leader is emotionally intelligent, self-aware, approachable, honest, and authentic.
6. What do you most value in your friends?
I am so proud to have built a support system of friends who love each other for exactly who they are on the inside and are happy to see each other grow and succeed.
7. What do you do for self-renewal?
I mostly love to sleep. But when I’m awake, hot yoga, Bravo shows, and spending time with family and friends fills my cup.
8. Who is your hero/ heroine of fiction?
Jessica Day in New Girl is not only a great teacher, she is unapologetically herself—and hilarious.
9. What is your current state of mind?
A mix of calm and anxiety.
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Erin Reimel Clements is the Director of Alumnae Engagement at her alma mater, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. She not only works with alumnae to keep them connected to the school, she teaches leadership skills to all students in all grade levels. Erin graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in magazine journalism and currently works as an adjunct professor in Syracuse’s Fashion & Beauty Milestone program. Erin started her career in New York City as a beauty and wellness editor for magazines such as Elle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and Shape. She is now a freelance writer and editor, working with beauty and health publications and brands. Erin is working toward earning a Master of Education in School Leadership from University of Pennsylvania. She is a gcLi Lab graduate and a recipient of this year’s gcLi grant award in collaboration with Penn GSE. She lives in the Philadelphia-area with her husband and dog, Fred, and loves spending time with her family and friends, binging TV shows, and watching live theater.