Megan Kilcullen and James Costalas
After her defining performance as “Snooki” in this year’s Scrooge Chapel, Sunshine O’Donnell has since been a topic of discussion in the hallways of the Upper School. New to the Episcopal community this school year, her first public appearance was quite memorable. She adds spunk and originality to the English Department and is always a source for good conversation. Yet there is more to O’Donnell than her perfect comedic timing and quirky disposition.
Q: What brought you to Episcopal Academy?
A: I am very good friends with Mr. McCreary and over the years he brought me to his creative writing class as a guest author. And I loved working here! I also loved the English Department because they genuinely love teaching literature and they love to read.
Q: Have you had any prior acting experiences before the Scrooge Chapel?
A: Yes, I took many play writing classes in college and wrote monologues. One day in class, my teacher approached me and said “it would be wrong for me not pursue theater.” I then dual majored in English and Theater at Beaver College.
Q: What sparked your interest in Snooki’s character?
A: At first, I had to decide between Snooki and Kim Kardashian. Then I realized that Kim Kardashian was just annoying, whereas I find things in Snooki endearing. She also has surprising attributes, an incredible sense of humor, and is not a self loather. She is also incredibly business savvy.
Q: Do you actually watch Jersey Shore?
A: Yes, religiously.
Q: How did you get your unique name?
A: I was born in 1971 and my parents were hippies.
Q: What did you do prior to teaching at Episcopal?
A: I am a published author, but I also sculpted cakes for a while at a bakery called Cake Lab Studio. It was a little more bazaar than Cake Boss because we sculpted unusual cakes such as a Buddha and a temple.
Q: What have you published?
A: My book is called Open Me. I also ran intense literature workshops at under privileged schools in the city and I published a collection of autobiographies about their lives in the system.
Q: If you were not a teacher what other profession would you pursue?
A: A full time Mom!
Q: Other then writing and acting, what are you favorite hobbies?
A: I love to cook with my son, the most awesome person ever. I also enjoy doing science experiments. I am secretly a science geek. And I love to research theoretical quantum physics.
Q: As a teacher and a person, what do you wish to bring to the Episcopal community?
A: I want students to love to learn, to love reading, and to be excited about the process (because it can be fun).
BONUS Question: If you were trapped on a deserted island what three things would you bring with you?
A: 1) My iPod 2) Water distillation kit, because I don’t want to die. 3) Knife… no no, moisturizer. Because it would get really dry on the island.