10 Qs with Ms. Pullis

10 Qs with Jess Pullis (English Teacher)

Reporting by Khushi Rana Photos courtesy of Jess Pullis Page design by the Highlander staff

1How have you been getting to know your students?

Being able to chat with kids in office hours has been hugely helpful. Honestly, the best way for me to form connections has been when students come for help or questions.

2Tell us about your cat!

I’ve had Agnes for about two years, but we don’t know how old she is because I adopted her from a rescue, and she has a lot of health problems that make it hard to guess an age. She’s a dwarf cat, so she has teeny tiny legs and a little stubby tail.

3What was your favorite Hallowen costume?

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I’m actually going to say that my costume for this year is my favorite. I’m working on putting together a Coraline costume with a blue wig, star sweater and shiny blue boots.

4Why is being a vegan important to you?

I love animals. It feels like the best choice for animals and the planet, which is really important to me.

5What’s your favorite hair color that you’ve had?

I had my hair bright neon coral for a while and I think that was my favorite. I have the coolest hairstylist ever, so I like giving her the chance to play with crazy colors. They feel very natural to me.

6What is your favorite movie and why? My favorite movie of all time is The Devil Wears Prada—I can quote every line. Even still, it makes me laugh every time.

7What’s a secret/hidden talent that you have?

I wish I had a quirkier answer for this… I can sing? I can wiggle my ears?

8What has been the hardest part of starting at Mclean while it’s virtual?

The hardest part is not getting to see students and teachers in person. It’s much harder to build connections through the screen.

9What book has been most influential on your life?

I think I would say Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It was eye-opening, and it changed the way I taught AP Lang. I’ve seen so many students engage with it, which really makes me appreciate it more.

10 What were you like in high school? I was definitely an overachiever. I took all AP classes, was president of a bunch of clubs, and probably tried to do way too much. I was really into theater and choir.