Q&A: Chopra's Third Grade Teacher
During his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday, federal chief technology officer-designate Aneesh Chopra gave a shout-out to his wife and daughters; his parents; and a woman named Linda Bruschi. He explained that shortly after President Obama announced his nomination, Bruschi -- Chopra's third grade teacher -- "friended" her former student on Facebook. "Because of her efforts, she helped me see the future and opened up a door for an exciting new world of opportunity," Chopra said in his testimony. "In the way she opened a door for me, I want to open a door for others. It's this wondrous idea of extending personal opportunity, fueled by new technologies, which especially excites me."
Tech Daily Dose reached out to Bruschi (on Facebook) to ask a few questions about what she remembers of little Aneesh Chopra. Here are some of her responses:
Q: Did Aneesh have an early interest in technology? If so, what specifically do you remember?
A: When Aneesh was in second grade, we were only beginning to hear about computers being used in elementary schools. It wasn't until a few years later that the school system provided computers for all the classrooms.
Q: What were the subjects in which he excelled and which were the subjects that challenged him most?
A: Aneesh excelled in all areas, but in particular, in math. I needed to provide him with more advanced math work to challenge him and develop higher levels of thinking. I was not surprised to learn that he was invited into the district's math gifted and talented program when he moved to grades 4 to 6.
Q: What attributes will serve Aneesh well if confirmed as the nation's CTO?
A: He listens well; he excels in situations that provide challenges, he is responsible; he is articulate; he is excited about learning; he works well with others---a dream student and now our nation's first CTO!
Q: What was your first reaction when you heard the news about his nomination?
A: I was delighted, proud and eager to congratulate Aneesh. As I told Aneesh I share his passion for technology. Presently I am a computer support teacher (grades K-5) for Princeton Regional Schools and although I have not seen Aneesh for years, there is still a connection -- literally and figuratively. Trust me, I shared his appointment announcement with all of my colleagues and administrators. He is my new "claim to fame"!
Q: Do you have any other former students who have become superstars in government and elsewhere? If so, who are they?
A: I can't really say I know of anyone else in such a high office in government, although I do know that many of my students are successful in other fields. I am always delighted when former students are in touch and share their accomplishments with me. I believe my students have enormous potential to become the next leaders and for Aneesh, this has become reality. I am very proud.
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