"Heather Fritchley Shue"
by Rodney Wayne Branche
Heather Fritchley Shue
Young Heather
Copa: Where are you from Heather?
Heather: I grew up in the small city of Colonial Heights, Virginia. We had one middle school and one high school in the whole city. The high school I attended had fewer students than the middle school where I currently teach! I moved to Northern Virginia after I graduated from college, and have lived up here ever since. I moved from an area where everyone was very similar to an area that is extremely diverse.
Heather: I grew up in the small city of Colonial Heights, Virginia. We had one middle school and one high school in the whole city. The high school I attended had fewer students than the middle school where I currently teach! I moved to Northern Virginia after I graduated from college, and have lived up here ever since. I moved from an area where everyone was very similar to an area that is extremely diverse.
Copa: While in school, were you ever interested in modeling?
Heather: I have been interested in modeling since high school, but if you could see some of my high school pictures, you'd understand why I didn't actively pursue it! Ha ha ha! In college I had a few people tell me that I should model, but I didn't seriously pursue anything related to modeling until after I started teaching.
Heather: I have been interested in modeling since high school, but if you could see some of my high school pictures, you'd understand why I didn't actively pursue it! Ha ha ha! In college I had a few people tell me that I should model, but I didn't seriously pursue anything related to modeling until after I started teaching.
Copa: When was your first fashion show and photo shoot, and how did you feel about it?
Heather: My first show and shoot went hand-in-hand. I did a test shoot with designer and photographer Ean Williams, and one of the shots ended up being used as the promotional flier for DC Fashion Week. He suggested that I audition for the show, and I made the cut. DC Fashion Week Cycle 2 was my very first fashion show. I was terrified! Fortunately, there were some very nice girls who took me under their wings and made me feel more comfortable. It's funny to think that I participated in DCFW Cycle 20 last September. I’ve been participating in DCFW for the last 10 years! DCFW definitely opened a lot of doors for me. I’ve gotten to walk for many talented designers and shoot with many fantastic photographers in my 10 years of modeling! It’s very exciting!
Heather: My first show and shoot went hand-in-hand. I did a test shoot with designer and photographer Ean Williams, and one of the shots ended up being used as the promotional flier for DC Fashion Week. He suggested that I audition for the show, and I made the cut. DC Fashion Week Cycle 2 was my very first fashion show. I was terrified! Fortunately, there were some very nice girls who took me under their wings and made me feel more comfortable. It's funny to think that I participated in DCFW Cycle 20 last September. I’ve been participating in DCFW for the last 10 years! DCFW definitely opened a lot of doors for me. I’ve gotten to walk for many talented designers and shoot with many fantastic photographers in my 10 years of modeling! It’s very exciting!
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Copa: What is you philosophy on the state of fashion in America and the DMV?
Heather: In America, I think that anything goes, especially if you're famous! Some celebrities can get away with wearing just about anything, thanks to the support of their fan-base (does Lady Gaga’s meat dress ring any bells?). Different strokes for different folks... I see a myriad of looks in the DMV, ranging from office chic to the skinny jeans band geek look. The DMV is full of fashion-forward people who put their own unique spins on fashion trends. That being said, it seems that the movement of fashion is actually backward. Anything vintage is in, from bohemian styles to 80's retro. (I also hate admitting that the 1980's are now considered “retro”. It wasn’t that long ago, people!)
Heather: In America, I think that anything goes, especially if you're famous! Some celebrities can get away with wearing just about anything, thanks to the support of their fan-base (does Lady Gaga’s meat dress ring any bells?). Different strokes for different folks... I see a myriad of looks in the DMV, ranging from office chic to the skinny jeans band geek look. The DMV is full of fashion-forward people who put their own unique spins on fashion trends. That being said, it seems that the movement of fashion is actually backward. Anything vintage is in, from bohemian styles to 80's retro. (I also hate admitting that the 1980's are now considered “retro”. It wasn’t that long ago, people!)
Copa: Youth and education...what are your views?
Heather: Oh, Lord! As a teacher, I think I could fill up this entire magazine with a response to this question! I’ll attempt to keep it brief, however. The educational experiences of the youth of today look very different today than they did years ago. Learning standards are raised each year, and teachers are trying to infuse rigorous lessons with technology. Unfortunately, fundamental concepts are pushed aside and teachers are left trying to figure out how to teach students who lack these basic skills. For example, students are given calculators to use at a very young age. Many students learn to rely on calculators instead of their own understanding of number sense. As a result, many students are unable to recognize when answers “don’t make sense”. The calculator spit out that answer, so in their minds, it must be correct. Also, students in my school system are no longer taught how to write in cursive. I understand that many transactions are handled electronically now; however, these kids don’t even know how to sign their names! Also, I have seen a major shift in focus regarding who is responsible for the learning that happens in the students’ lives. There seems to be a growing trend among some parents of having a more “hands-off” mindset, and it’s ultimately left up to the teachers to teach the academic, social, and lifelong lessons. That’s a lot of pressure, but I’m up for the challenge. As a special educator, as long as I keep improving my lessons, teaching my students how to learn, showing them how science pertains to their everyday lives, and instilling in them a concept of self-worth, I’ll consider it all a success. At the end of the day, I want my students to know that they are all awesome and capable of great things, and most importantly, that I care about them very much. Hopefully, they will continue to value education and view it as a stepping stone that will lead them to more enriched lives.
Heather: Oh, Lord! As a teacher, I think I could fill up this entire magazine with a response to this question! I’ll attempt to keep it brief, however. The educational experiences of the youth of today look very different today than they did years ago. Learning standards are raised each year, and teachers are trying to infuse rigorous lessons with technology. Unfortunately, fundamental concepts are pushed aside and teachers are left trying to figure out how to teach students who lack these basic skills. For example, students are given calculators to use at a very young age. Many students learn to rely on calculators instead of their own understanding of number sense. As a result, many students are unable to recognize when answers “don’t make sense”. The calculator spit out that answer, so in their minds, it must be correct. Also, students in my school system are no longer taught how to write in cursive. I understand that many transactions are handled electronically now; however, these kids don’t even know how to sign their names! Also, I have seen a major shift in focus regarding who is responsible for the learning that happens in the students’ lives. There seems to be a growing trend among some parents of having a more “hands-off” mindset, and it’s ultimately left up to the teachers to teach the academic, social, and lifelong lessons. That’s a lot of pressure, but I’m up for the challenge. As a special educator, as long as I keep improving my lessons, teaching my students how to learn, showing them how science pertains to their everyday lives, and instilling in them a concept of self-worth, I’ll consider it all a success. At the end of the day, I want my students to know that they are all awesome and capable of great things, and most importantly, that I care about them very much. Hopefully, they will continue to value education and view it as a stepping stone that will lead them to more enriched lives.
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Copa: Describe your personal style at work and play for our readers.
Heather: I keep a pretty even mix of professional and casual. I enjoy wearing heels and pencil skirts, but this special educator is always on her feet. As a result, sometimes I need to scale it back a few notches and don slacks with a nice top and modest 2-inch heels. (I almost never wear flats. Flat dress shoes are just not that comfortable!) At work and at play, I can be seen sporting tank tops and t-shirts with science, Star Wars, or superhero content along with jeans and red Chucks. Nothing too fancy!
Heather: I keep a pretty even mix of professional and casual. I enjoy wearing heels and pencil skirts, but this special educator is always on her feet. As a result, sometimes I need to scale it back a few notches and don slacks with a nice top and modest 2-inch heels. (I almost never wear flats. Flat dress shoes are just not that comfortable!) At work and at play, I can be seen sporting tank tops and t-shirts with science, Star Wars, or superhero content along with jeans and red Chucks. Nothing too fancy!
Copa: Who are you favorite designers, colors, and most of all, tell us about your shoe passion.
Heather: I honestly don’t have a favorite designer. I love all clothes that are classy and flattering. I always feel confident when I am wearing something that compliments my figure, especially if the ensemble gives a nod to the 1940s, 50s, or 60s. I love colors, but I’m also drawn to nudes and other earthy tones. My shoes have to be comfortable (to a point…I’m not so old that I abandon looks for comfort) and affordable, but most of all, they must be cute! I love stilettos because they accentuate my legs and make me look even taller. On the weekends, I prefer to wear my Chucks.
Heather: I honestly don’t have a favorite designer. I love all clothes that are classy and flattering. I always feel confident when I am wearing something that compliments my figure, especially if the ensemble gives a nod to the 1940s, 50s, or 60s. I love colors, but I’m also drawn to nudes and other earthy tones. My shoes have to be comfortable (to a point…I’m not so old that I abandon looks for comfort) and affordable, but most of all, they must be cute! I love stilettos because they accentuate my legs and make me look even taller. On the weekends, I prefer to wear my Chucks.
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Copa: If there were any location in the world to have a wonderful photo shoot, where would it be and what photographer would you like to work with?
Heather: I would just love to do a photo shoot in a lagoon! I love the idea of doing editorial avant-garde shoots. There is so much room for creativity! Sprinkle the dark setting with accent lights and a bit of fantasy, and the sky’s the limit! I’d love to work with any photographer who is a master behind (and in front of) the lens. The perfect photographer knows which poses translate well into stunning images. S/he must be an expert in lighting, too!
Heather: I would just love to do a photo shoot in a lagoon! I love the idea of doing editorial avant-garde shoots. There is so much room for creativity! Sprinkle the dark setting with accent lights and a bit of fantasy, and the sky’s the limit! I’d love to work with any photographer who is a master behind (and in front of) the lens. The perfect photographer knows which poses translate well into stunning images. S/he must be an expert in lighting, too!
Copa: What does the future hold for Heather Fritchley Shue?
Heather: I plan on continuing to participate in fashion shows and photo shoots. I would love to be a part of a high-profile show like New York Fashion Week! I also want to get more of my photographs published in reputable publications. I can't wait for my band to start gigging in the DC area. I am excited to one day start a small family and stay at home with the kids for a few years. During this time, I would like to write and illustrate a children’s book. I’ll eventually return to work, and after a few more years of teaching, I plan on compiling all of my funny “teacher stories” into a book complete with illustrations and photographs!
Heather: I plan on continuing to participate in fashion shows and photo shoots. I would love to be a part of a high-profile show like New York Fashion Week! I also want to get more of my photographs published in reputable publications. I can't wait for my band to start gigging in the DC area. I am excited to one day start a small family and stay at home with the kids for a few years. During this time, I would like to write and illustrate a children’s book. I’ll eventually return to work, and after a few more years of teaching, I plan on compiling all of my funny “teacher stories” into a book complete with illustrations and photographs!
~Portfolio~
~Copa
