Continuing a Life’s Passion

AT 85 YEARS OLD, HERMINE CHERN SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN, whether at her job assisting children or in her free time enjoying musical performances.

A Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident, she spends her days working as a school psychologist at two Philadelphia area charter schools where she evaluates children for special education placements.

“I test kids, observe them in their classes and speak to their teachers,” Hermine said. “I feel like a detective because I have to make decisions about the services they [the kids] are legally provided. It’s a big responsibility.”

Despite the challenges, Hermine said she doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. Working helps her “stay young” and allows her the opportunity to go to the orchestra and the opera, which can be costly.

“I like working. I think it keeps you young and involved,” she said. “I feel valuable and useful. As long as I feel like I’m making a contribution, I’ll keep working.” Hermine was a history and English teacher at the Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School in Philadelphia before becoming a school counselor. She earned her doctorate degree in counseling/psychology from Temple University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in counseling, both from Temple.

During her young adult years, there were limited opportunities for women in the workforce, Hermine said. She didn’t want to be a nurse or a secretary, but she needed a job, and teaching suited her. She decided to continue with her education because she could – she was single, childless and wanted to “get out of her parent’s house,” she joked.

“I took classes at night and worked during the day,” she said. “I was young. I had to make a living. It was challenging, and I liked it.”

Hermine has lived at Masonic Village for four years. She enjoys feeling safe. “It’s just easy here,” she said. “I like my apartment. It’s like my miniature home.”