Faculty Unscripted: Torie Knighton
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Torie Knighton is a professional school counselor at MSA.
What are your primary roles at MSA?
I am the professional school counselor at Miller. I also serve on a duty team.
What made you decide to live and work on the Hill?
The most important thing about Miller that really made me want to work here was the opportunity to truly get to know our students and families. Our small size is a big part of that, but from the first time I toured campus, it was apparent in the interactions between students and adults, and in the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that there are lots of intangible things about this community that truly make those meaningful, impactful connections possible.
Most memorable teaching, coaching, or student-life experience?
My most memorable student-life experience was our “packing night” last year as part of our relief efforts for the people of Ukraine. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support through donations of supplies in the weeks leading up to that night. But watching the students work together to fill drawstring backpacks with essential items, then write notes of encouragement to include in each of them was so inspiring. The care they took with those notes for people thousands of miles away was just amazing! Our students are generous and kind, but they’re also doers! That night reminded me that sometimes as educators our job is to facilitate, help coordinate logistics, encourage, then get out of their way. Miller students are undoubtedly future changemakers in the world!
If you were not an educator, what would you be?
Wow, that’s a tough question! I’m a passionate advocate for my students, especially for those who struggle to advocate for themselves. I think if I weren’t an educator, I would find another profession that allows me to help young people find their voice, advocate for their needs and learn the skills to advocate for themselves. After all, it’s probably one of the most satisfying parts of my role as a school counselor.
Favorite aspect of working at a boarding school?
My favorite part of working at a boarding school is getting to know students in their home away from home. Spending time with students in the evenings, on weekends and during special occasions, especially watching them interact with all of their “little brothers and sisters” (the young children of faculty members) who also call the Hill home.
Most memorable lesson learned from students at MSA?
Probably the most memorable lesson I learned from MSA students was that we truly are a dog friendly campus! During my first Halloween on the Hill, I was walking with students around campus as they “trick or treated” faculty homes. We visited Mr. and Mrs. Drude’s home, then made our way over to Old Main. Before I knew it, George, the Drude’s energetic, very friendly lab had slipped in with us and headed up to the second floor with our crowd! Needless to say, I was a little panicked - as a new employee I had just let a dog in the school and he’s now roaming the halls of Old Main! But not the kids- to them it was no big deal! Not to fear; he just wanted in on the fun & Mr. Drude sent an email later just asking that someone make sure George makes his way back home when the fun was done. Dogs are welcome members of the Miller family!
Favorite place to go or thing to do on MSA’s 1,600-acre campus?
I love our trails and the view from the Upper Meadow is unbeatable! On a warm day, I love taking a run around campus along the trails and down to the lake.
Movie you have watched the most times in your life?
When Harry Met Sally - it may sound cheesy and it definitely shows my age, but I think it’s one of those movies that stands the test of time because ultimately it’s about connection. It’s about how our relationships grow and change and the connections that sustain us through the ups and downs of life.
Dream trip?
The beach is my happy place, so I’d have to say a long vacation staying in a hut over the water in the Maldives would be my dream trip! Nothing but clear blue water, soft sand, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding & relaxing!
Pets? The sweetest and possibly laziest beagle, Phoebe!
What did you want to do when you grew up (when you were in high school)?
When I was in high school, I dreamed of being a lawyer. I loved the reasoning and process of making an argument, as well as the persuasiveness required in the pursuit of justice.
