For some people, like Jillian Dempsey, work ethic comes naturally. From the time Dempsey was     five-years old, she was staying out past dark shooting buckets of hockey pucks at Coughlin Park, taking every opportunity to sharpen her skills and build confidence in her game.
Her hard work has paid off in both the rink and in the classroom, as Dempsey is viewed as a highly motivated athlete and well-loved teacher. As a fifth-grade teacher at the Arthur T. Cummings School, Dempsey has several responsibilities that span beyond school hours, however; that hasn’t deterred her from continuously making big strides in her hockey career.
While currently facing a competitive season playing for the Boston Pride hockey team in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), she manages to transition to teacher mode on Monday mornings after late Sunday night games and travel time, all while still having an energetic smile on her face.
Dempsey, a perfect role model to a classroom of fifth graders, shares what it’s like to balance two careers and offers some advice on how to accomplish dreams.
Tell us about the start of the hockey season.
My Boston Pride hockey team in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) is off to a strong start this season. We opened the season with two victories and faced a tough loss to the Metropolitan Riveters with only three seconds left in the game a few Saturdays ago. I’m fired up for a competitive season and eager to bring the Isobel Cup back to Boston!
After some big games, you teach class early the next day. Do your students ask a lot of questions about your hockey career?
This year, our home games are on Saturday nights, so I have Sunday to rest up and recover before the school week. Away games are mostly on Sundays, though, so with the travel and quick turnaround to Monday, it can make for an exhausting start to the week. I’m fortunate that I get to do two things I love – play hockey and teach. My students always greet me with questions about my weekend game on Monday mornings and are genuinely excited about my hockey career, which never fails to put a smile on my face.
You’re known for your strong work ethic. Do you credit your parents for instilling these values in you?Â
I have the absolute best parents! They have always taught me to be kind, work hard, and have a positive attitude.
What advice do you have for accomplishing a goal?
Dream big and be willing to put in the hard work required to achieve your goal every day. Write down your goals because you are much more likely to achieve them when you have them in writing and can hold yourself accountable.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is when my students succeed. It is incredibly rewarding to see the light bulb go on after all the effort and practice they put into learning a new concept or skill. The little details and victories of teaching are what keep me going.