By GINA MAURER

Asst. Features Editor

When Eatontown resident Melissa Bradley came here to serve as a substitute teacher last year, she didn’t have to worry about getting lost or introducing herself to other teachers – she graduated from CHS five years ago.

“Everybody here is just so nice. They were nice here when I was a student and they’re just so supportive now that I’m here as a teacher,” said Bradley.

Bradley attended The College of New Jersey for technology education and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Columbia University. She said attending CHS made her realize what she wanted to do in the future.

“It’s funny, I came here because I originally thought I wanted to be a writer, but then once you come here you kind of get inundated with all the really cool opportunities,” she said.

As a student, Bradley took part in Photo Club, DV Club, Math Club and Student Government Association. She said her interests in photography and video led her to choose her major.

“…I really liked everything,” said Bradley. “I realized going broad as a technology teacher would be a really cool thing to do.”

Bradley said that as a student she had a joke with technology teacher Maryanne Rodriguez that one day she would take her job.

“I never thought I’d be back here to teach. [Rodriguez] called me this summer and was like, ‘Hey, do you want my job? Want to be me?’” Bradley said.

Working with her old teachers is something she said she enjoys.

“It’s very cool. It’s neat to be on the other side and kind of get a different perspective of things and get a different perspective of them,” she said.

In her spare time, she enjoys rock climbing, kayaking and going to the beach. Her “end goal” is to become a college professor one day.

For now, Bradley is here for three months while Rodriguez takes a marking period leave of absence.

“I was definitely thrilled to be here again. It’s a great place to be if you’re a student or a teacher,” said Bradley.