“Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever. Go and make some beautiful memories.” –Mrs. Cale’s advice to students.

By Tanashie Jacquecin

Mrs. Christy D. Cale, who is the backbone of the Mass Communication department, is a highly educated woman. Without her aid, the whole department would fall. She has taught at multiple locations and chose to be part of the DSU family. I had the opportunity to interview this interesting woman and, here is what she had to say:

Tanashie: Where were you born and what was your upbringing like?

Mrs. Cale: I grew up in a Minister’s home in Follansbee, West Virginia. I was adopted into a loving and caring family, where I was an only child.

 Tanashie : Who has been the greatest influence in your life that has impacted the woman you are today?

Mrs. Cale: Both of my adopted parents taught me to love God and that the most important things in life cannot be bought like love, joy, peace and contentment. My mother was the reason I ended up getting my Master’s degree in education since she worked with people who have learning disabilities.

 Tanashie: What about your family?

Mrs. Cale: I always knew I was adopted. They told me I was special because while other boys and girls had to take the parents they had, but I was special because they chose me.

 Tanashie: Can you tell us of your education history and what your goals or life ambition were when you were in College?

Mrs. Cale: I went to the same college as my parents, Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA. I went in with the idea of getting a B.A. degree in speech and then going into graduate school to be a speech therapist. I ended up majoring in speech/psychology and later returning there for master’s degree in education.

 Tanashie: Can you tell us of your job experience prior to this job as an Administrative Secretary of Delaware State University?

Mrs. Cale: I worked in various departments since I’ve been here at DSU. I started off in Residence Life, and then moved to student Affairs, and then back to Residence Life and last of all, over to Mass Communications. In addition to my 17 years at DSU, I taught elementary school in Massachusetts and in Dover, worked at Juniata college in Huntingdon, PA, a law firm in Dover, and Boston University.

 Tanashie: What was the most memorable point at that job?

Mrs. Cale: When I worked at Boston University, I enjoyed my commute. I would travel to the T station, which is their subway system. I took the subway into the city and then I had to walk to my building and walking in the city of Boston is always an interesting experience. It made me love the city more and more.

Tanashie: Is this where you thought you’d be 5 or 10 years ago?

Mrs. Cale: I didn’t know where I would be, but I knew that I would always seek to do something with young people or children.

 Tanashie: What informed your decision to do what you’re doing now?

Mrs. Cale: I enjoyed teaching the younger children, but I greatly enjoy seeing the excitement and accomplishments of the young adults at Delaware State University. They have their whole future ahead of them and are full of promise and when I’m working here, I’m leaving my fingerprint on the future by helping them work towards success.

 Tanashie : As the Administrative Secretary for DSU, what are your plans for the future?

Mrs. Cale: As the administrative secretary for DSU, I hope to work for 3 or 4 more years and then retire to spend some quality time with my wonderful husband of 42 years.

 Tanashie: What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path?

Mrs. Cale: What you enjoy doing for a hobby or in your spare time is often a good key to what you may enjoy as a career. Be sure to take your education seriously and really attempt to get the most benefit from your time in college. Test the waters and try out whatever opportunities come your way and be open to the experience.

 Tanashie: How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?

Mrs. Cale It’s a time of great opportunity and change and I think an exciting time. I feel the diverse campus environment, students as well as faculty, is important. We can learn so much from each other. I read that many universities are trying to make policy changes that will improve student achievement and lead to earning a high-quality degree in less time. Also, I read about changing the way the support structure at universities operates and assisting students who are underprepared to be successful in college. I think there is much in the way of change ahead and it seems all of it is for the student.

 Tanashie: What does the future hold for America?

Mrs. Cale: I don’t know what the future holds for America, but I pray that God will give us his grace and mercy and direction as we work towards a positive future for our country. 

Tanashie: What are your thoughts on the gun policies in the states?

Mrs. Cale: I have a husband who likes shooting and both of my sons hunt, so I think it’s great– if that’s what they enjoy doing in their spare time. I think we probably need to be very cautious about who gets those guns. And sometimes I wonder, is that happening? Are they really investigating people that apply to shoot a gun? I hope as I hear people talking about all that’s happening with the schools and people going in and shooting up in schools, I would hope that people get serious about making it difficult for people to get a gun if they are not a balanced individual. I hope that there will be a way for people to decide that before a gun gets into someone’s hands.

 Tanashie: What are your hobbies?

Mrs. Cale: I enjoy watching “This is Us” and “The Good Doctor“, playing Words with friends, reading, shopping, playing with our cat and dog, Bella and Shadow, traveling and going to dinner with friends, as well as spending family time with my children and grandchildren.

Tanashie: Let us end this interview with your philosophy of life. How do you see this life and what principles get you grounded and moving forward?

Mrs. Cale: You asked what grounds me and moves me, it is my faith in God. When you ask for my philosophy of life, I saw this makes a lot of sense to me. Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever. Go and make some beautiful memories.