My mom, Jennifer Baumbach, formally Jennifer Brooks, attended all the same Bethpage Schools as me (Charles Campagne, JFK Middle School, Bethpage High School) and was an active member of the graduating class of 2000. The Eagle’s Cry interviewed Jen to see what she is up to now, 25 years after she graduated.
What is your job?
AVP, Financial Reporting – Northwell Health
What inspired you to do your job?
Originally, I went to college as a physical therapy major. I always felt that a career in physical therapy would be rewarding. Something about the concept of being a part of a person’s progress from pain and immobility to recovery and independence was very attractive to me. It seemed like a very fulfilling career.
Once I began my first semester of college, however, I realized very quickly that my academic strengths did not necessarily align with those of a physical therapy major. I was OK at science, but I excelled at math and I had strong analytical skills. A family member of mine suggested that I take an accounting class to see if accounting would be a better fit for me.
Second semester freshman year, I took my first accounting class – and I aced it! My professor was an incredible teacher, and he opened my eyes to the various career paths an accounting major can take.
Once I graduated college, I secured a job at one of the “Big 4” accounting firms, hoping to gain as much experience as possible in a fast-paced environment. Unfortunately, I hated it. While I was good in my role, I did not feel like I was doing rewarding work. I stuck it out a year, but I during my tenure I was actively looking for a new opportunity that would better suit my ideals.
I stumbled upon a job post for the Financial Reporting department at NorthShore LIJ (now Northwell Health) as a staff accountant – and I just recently celebrated my 20th anniversary with the company this past summer!
What inspires me most about my job is that I support the functions that make sure Northwell Health is financially viable to ensure high standards of patient care and well-being. I feel that I add a meaningful contribution to the strategic decision-making processes of the organization. I love that my job has helped me develop a robust skill set, including financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and healthcare-specific financial modeling.
Did you play any sports in high school?
Yes. I was on varsity soccer, varsity basketball and varsity softball.
Do you play any sports now?
Yes. I play in my company’s co-ed softball league and co-ed volleyball league. I also play in a recreational volleyball league outside of work as well.
What clubs were you involved in?
I was the treasurer of the Honor Society, the Vice President of the Spanish Club, apart of the Student Council, Athletes Helping Athletes, and Mathletes. I’m sure others, but thats what I remember. It was 25 years ago.
What BHS teachers did you have that are still here?
I had Mrs. Director for Math, Mr. LaSpina for Math, Mrs. Corson for English (I believe she may have just recently retired), Mr. Portuese for Forensic Science, Mrs. Lavelle for Social Studies (she is Administration now), Mr. Spence for Social Studies (he is Assistant Superintendent now), Mr. Verdi for Social Studies and Mr. DeStefanio for Art.
Mrs. Way, Mr. McCoy & Mr. Rodriguez were all teachers in the school when I was there, but I didn’t have them.
If you could give yourself any advice, what would it be?
Don’t get too attached to one vision of your future. Life after high school can take many different paths. Being open to new opportunities, even those that may be unexpected, can lead to experiences you never imagined.
Did any teacher inspire you?
Yes – Ms. Healy, my math teacher. I am pretty sure I had her twice throughout high school, for Geometry and Calculus. I was very receptive to her teaching style. She explained things in a methodical way that was easy for me to follow. I remember her being a little nerdy, but totally enthusiastic about teaching us math – she made me love math! It was very clear to me that she was passionate about her job, and that inspired me to work in a career that I was passionate about.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Math. Math always came very easy to me. I love the concept of being given a problem, and then working to figure it out. I find it so satisfying figuring out the solution.
What is something about BHS that is the same as when you were there?
The school spirit. The students and the families of Bethpage High School are very supportive of sports in the district. I love seeing the stands packed on Pep Rally, Homecoming and other big sporting events.
I do wish, however, that the same school spirit carried over to other areas. There are some exceptionally talented kids doing some amazing things throughout the district – the Masquers’ Guild, our music programs, and the Robotics team to name a few. My wish is for our school community to support these programs as well.
What is something about BHS that is different from when you were there?
I am amazed by the number of elective classes that are available now compared to when I was at BHS. Some of the electives I wish I had back in the day are Personal Finance, FanZone and Home Repair. Personal Finance and Home Repair teach skills that I wish I was exposed to in my teens. These are areas that I had to figure out myself during my early adulthood and it would have been really beneficial to have a background in them.
Overall, Jennifer has come a really long way since her days at BHS!
