This story originally appeared in the spring/summer 2019 issue of Harker Magazine.

Middle school math teacher Margaret Huntley moved to the U.S. eight years ago from her native Australia, leaving behind her parents and six siblings. Though she cites this as the biggest risk she’s ever taken, she has created a happy life here with her also-Australian husband and their 1-year-old daughter. Passionate about the outdoors, she loves cycling in the hills, going to the beach – “anywhere I can be totally by myself in nature.” Read on for more interesting facts Harker Magazine discovered about Huntley!

When did you first really feel like an adult?
The first time I filled out a tax return. 

What gives you a reason to smile?
The little things: a sunrise walk, a picnic lunch, a blossom tree. There are so many reasons to smile if you look for them. 

Brag about something.
I can still do round-off back handsprings!

If you had $100 million in the bank, what would your day look like?
Much like it does right now. I’d still be teaching at Harker. I think I’d fly business class when I travel, though!

What helps you persevere when you feel like giving up?
Knowing that even things that seem insurmountable and unachievable are not the end of the world. If something really needs to get done, it will get done; if I don’t get it done, then I guess it wasn’t that important.

 What does your inner child want?
To cuddle up with a teddy bear.