After a fruitful and lengthy career at MFS, Ruth Chen will retire at the end of this school year from her position as Administrative Assistant to the Head of School and Associate Head of School/Academic Dean.
Chen’s role in the community has been described as the “backbone” of the school by many of her fellow co-workers. As the Administrative Assistant to the Head of School and Associate Head of School, she is often found hard at work organizing events, meeting with trustees, and supporting various school committees. While her work is mostly behind the scenes, there is no doubt that she is one of the school’s most valuable assets.
Those who have worked with Chen have described her as extremely kind, organized, and a positive influence who always made sure that things were completed perfectly and on time. Gail Barna, Upper and Middle School computer science teacher, recounted a memorable moment when she worked with Chen: “Well, I worked on the blood drive with her and she was super super organized…so organized [that] I knew everything would be done perfectly.” Barna remarked, “She’s always so happy, positive, professional, very very organized, and is always concerned about all of the kids around.”
Among others who have worked with her are Missy Mead, the College Counseling Administrative Assistant, and Julia de la Torre, the Head of School, both of whom shared similar sentiments with Barna about Chen. “She is the kindest, most gentle, calm, funny, wonderful person,” de la Torre commented. “I have never met anyone so committed to the school and the growth of the institution.”
Mead shared that “She has such a positive outlook on everything that it just kind of spreads and brings joy to everything.” Mead will be Chen’s replacement starting next school year.
Chen started her journey at MFS working in the school’s development office. Back then, instead of Macbooks and Windows computers, she had to use DAS computers, which she recounted as “very heavy, bulky, and hard to navigate”. She also used typewriters and mimeographs, which acted like a stencil, to create postcards and flyers.
When asked to compare the past with the present, Chen expressed her fascination with how far the school had evolved with technology: “When I started in 1987, the school was just a couple years into using computers in the offices.” Chen continued, “Now we are working in the clouds, it’s like what a step from 30 years ago.”
Looking forward, Chen plans on spending her retirement visiting her family and traveling around the world again once the pandemic ends. “Originally I came from Taiwan so I still have family over there,” Chen stated. “I’m really looking forward to being able to do that once everything is open up and safe to travel again.”
As the third longest serving staff member at MFS, Chen has witnessed the school’s development and says that she will miss the community greatly. “I really enjoyed my 34 years working at MFS. It’s such a warm, loving community,” said Chen. “I am very proud to have been a member of this community.”
