MEET THE ONE PERSON WHO HAS FOUR ROLES AT LINCOLN!

She is a former student, a teacher, a staff member, and a parent of one of our students. Meet María Carra, an anthropologist who found her vocation through Lincoln’s diverse and multicultural environment.

If someone were to be the embodiment of the Condor Spirit, that would be Maria Carra. Not only did she graduate from Lincoln as part of the Class of 1997, she is also a social studies teacher for English Language Learners in middle school, a Human Resources Analyst at the school, a mother to one of our elementary students, and the main link to our Alumni community. It’s safe to say she knows the school inside and out. 

“My earlier exposure to intercultural environments truly formed how I see the world,” she shared during an interview. Her time at Lincoln and other international communities led Maria to her vocation. And while Anthropology was not her first career choice, it was the one she was meant to study. “I very much identify with this scientific discipline, which strives among many things to ‘Make the world safe for Human Differences’ as the great Ruth Benedict once said.”

So, how did she end up as a Human Resources Analyst, a teacher, and then the alumni main link? We interviewed her to get to know one of the most representative members of the school!

How did your Lincoln journey start?

I started as a student and reconnected through work. At the time, I had already worked in all three divisions (as an Elementary School Secretary, Middle School Counseling Secretary, and Athletics Assistant in high school) and was about to complete my Anthropology degree. That’s when I decided to move into Human Resources at Lincoln. My thesis focused on international educators as a migrant group. Part of my participant observation work was done around Onboarding processes. Soon after, I applied for an opening in HR. 

So much of our alumni’s love for this community is our love for our teachers. I am still in touch with many of them. They feel like extended family today.

Anthropologist and HR Analyst. How do those roles complement?

I always bear in mind that we all carry our very own human differences and need special care, time, and guidance when transitioning to a new place and role. One of the first projects I coordinated was Lincoln's Onboarding Process. I learned so much and was fortunate to be able to expand the programs beyond Foreign Hire Services to provide a comprehensive experience to all Lincoln employees. I love this role! It allows me to know every single person that works in our school. 

Why did you want to become a teacher?

As of 2023, I have also taken on a teaching role at Lincoln with our recent jump in enrollment.  I have to say I felt a different sense of pride when I stepped into the role of teacher.  So much of our alumni’s love for this community is our love for our teachers. I am still in touch with many of them. They feel like extended family today.

My mother worked as a Lincoln teacher for 24 years until her retirement. Mr. Czarnik used to say that each teacher thought their subject was the most important. I wholeheartedly believe that teaching is one of the most important professions in our societies. I have worked more than 20 years supporting teachers and now I get to be one.

The school helped me exercise my flexibility and resilience and learn to collaborate towards a common goal.

How did you become the main link with Lincoln's former students?

I began volunteering formally with our Alumni efforts in 2013. Raymond McKay, former director of Programas Nacionales at Lincoln, was planning a huge reunion on campus for our 75th Anniversary.  Before then I had helped organize a few reunions in Buenos Aires for my class and a few others.  At that time the online presence was having trouble getting started, we already had about 300 people flying in.  Plans were moving but more engagement was needed. I remember helping with a website, getting information out there, and volunteering every day during the reunion.

It was an amazing feeling to help our alumni have the Lincoln experience they loved so much. Since then, I have contributed with the ACSAA Board and with the school in maintaining communications with alums and a few events along the way.  It's great to see Alumni initiatives take a whole new life in this next phase. 

What is it like to work at Lincoln?

Most days, I completely forget I am at the school I attended.  It is fast-paced, more so than people can imagine a school to be. It is busy and full of new ideas circulating that inspire one to be a lifelong learner. Collaboration is also a key component of how we work at Lincoln. You can collaborate on different projects and with multiple teams, which is enriching and inspiring both from a teaching and a non-teaching role.

How Did The School Prepare You For Your Career?

The school helped me exercise my flexibility and resilience and learn to collaborate towards a common goal. I also understood that you make connections by offering your support. As Seño Granitto would say " A laburar! Vamos!" 

How do you feel when you think of the Lincoln community?

I feel at home. I feel inspired and engaged to roll up my sleeves and contribute to our active community, particularly our extended community of former students.

How would you describe a Lincoln learner? 

Flexible, joyful, collaborative, inclusive, and determined.