My Family Project All you never wanted to know about Ms. Erin Woitte
My family: Mary, Rick, Brian, Connor, me
Mary Kathleen (McGarry) Woitte
My mom is 60 years old and graduated from the College of Saint Benedict (like me!)
She currently works in the Edina School District offices as the Communications Manager. However, in her spare time she is an avid gardener, enjoys biking with my dad, and reads.
Personality traits: my mom is understanding, a hard worker, intelligent, and grounded.
Our relationship: I can talk to her about anything, and I aspire to be like her. Shared interests: books, coffee, views on life.
Richard Allen Woitte
My dad is 58 years old, and graduated from Mankato State University.
He currently works for the IT department at Optum Health Care as a Project Manager. Outside of work he likes to bike with my mom, reads (especially Jason Bourne), and he loves gadgets.
Personality traits: my dad is a big softie. He is caring, tells terrible/funny jokes, and is brilliant with computers.
Our relationship: always helps with the practical aspects of being an adult (resume writing, insurance, taxes, car shopping). Shared interests: talking about/watching the latest James Bond/Jason Bourne movie, sports fan (was my soccer coach, came to watch me play frisbee multiple times.)
Brian McGarry Woitte
Brian is 27 years old, and graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 2011. He currently works at UST for Campus Scheduling Services.
He is a big sports guy (previous jobs have been sports related), loves James Bond/action movies, playing basketball, family gatherings, and goofing around.
Personality traits: talks a big game but is a softie as well, goofy, very organized, and good at keeping the peace when some of us bicker.
Our relationship: we get along much better now, more like friends. Shared interests: both did marching band and are interested in sports (T-wolves and Twins especially).
Connor Richard Woitte
Connor is 19 years old and is a freshman at Stout University in Wisconsin. When he feels like it, he works at Hirshfields as a paint stocker and tinter.
He's a big drums guy: was on the drumline all 4 years of high school and is currently on MN Brass. He also spends most of his summers at Laketrails in Lake of the Woods, MN.
Personality traits: Connor is pretty intelligent, though a bit bold/forward, not to mention sassy and opinionated.
Our relationship: we get along pretty well, he's growing up more so we have more similar experiences we can talk about, though there is some age discrepancy. Shared interests: Laketrails, and band.
Erin (middle name) Woitte
I am 25 years old and I went to elementary school at St. Hubert, high school at E.P., and College of St. Benedict. I graduated from CSB in 2012.
Outside of teaching, I love to play ultimate frisbee (have been playing since my junior year of high school). I was also an Irish dancer for 12 years, and I've been involved in the Laketrails family since middle school. One of the nerdiest moments of my life was when I was a member of the Eden Prairie High School marching band...we were pretty good though, so it was okay.
All grown up
I'm not sure when I decided to be a teacher, but it's always been an occupation that seemed obvious for me. If I wasn’t a teacher, maybe a baker or librarian, or book critic/editor. I’d like to travel more, especially to Europe.
Born and raised
I grew up in Eden Prairie, MN. Currently I live in St. Paul; my parents still live in E.P. Never really moved: once when I was one, from Apple Valley to E.P.
Family activities
Growing up we had family dinners most nights, went to church every Sunday together, had game nights often, sporting events (Twins), concerts/games, family vacations, state parks.
Family values
Growing up, my parents generally enforced and encouraged the following values: have a good work ethic (get homework done, do it well); have a sense of humor; be tough; live like Jesus.
Family heritage
Most of the McGarry family (mom’s side) live in MN, so we see them the most. We're pretty proud to be Irish; many have a connection to Laketrails and CSB/SJU. I have 12 cousins on that side. The Woitte family is more spread out: Woitte Gram in New Ulm, but aunt/uncle in New Mexico (see about once a year); some are in Ohio; the others on the west coast (almost never see them).