Waldo teacher loves baking, cats, Pokemon, and more

 

By Hannako Langimeo

Beyond her day job as an English Language Arts teacher, Ms. Shimojima has a number of hobbies that keep her occupied. She enjoys baking, reading, playing with her cats, and running an afterschool club at Waldo for fans of Pokemon. Her favorite characters are Umbreon, Sylveon, and Bubasau. That is also was she named her cats.

When she was younger, Ms. Shimojima wanted to be a soccer player. However, she realized that she had more talent for teaching so she pivoted towards a career in education instead. This is her fourth year teaching. She worked as a substitute in Beaverton before coming to work at Waldo.

Born and raised in California, Ms. Shimojima also lived in Corvallis for five years and Portland for one year. She is not sure exactly how long she will live in Salem, but for now Waldo is a good fit.

“I like Waldo because of how the teachers are nice and passionate about their work,” Ms. Shimojima said. “I love getting along with everyone.”