Retired Raiders: Women's Soccer/Lacrosse, Rebecca Wickens '14

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director

NASHUA, N.H. - Rebecca (Wickens) Francisco '14 was a standout two-sport student-athlete for the Raiders during her four-year career that spanned from fall 2010-spring 2014. Rebecca played a total of eight seasons in Nashua as she was a four-year member of the women's soccer program and a four-year member of the women's lacrosse program, where she captained both teams in her final seasons. She totaled 220 goals on the lacrosse field over her 59 games played and appeared in 68 career games on the soccer pitch. She recently caught up with RivierAthletics.com for a Q & A. 

Q: What was your career like at Rivier? What sport(s) did you play? When did you play? Did you garner any accolades – captain/championship/all-conference, etc.

A: While at Rivier, I played soccer in the fall all four years and lacrosse in the spring all four years. I played from the fall of 2010- spring of 2014. I was the captain for both my soccer and lacrosse teams my senior year. In lacrosse, I netted over 200 goals during my four years playing at Rivier.

Q: Since Rivier, you’ve moved into the work field. Could you describe your current occupation, what company you work for and the role you have?

A: My current occupation is a 3rd grade teacher in Lowell, MA. I work at the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.

Q: How did you land your job?

A: I worked as a Special Educator in Tyngsborough, MA right out of college, but my dream was to be a classroom teacher. I learned of this 3rd grade position opening up due to a teacher retiring, and I applied. I interviewed and got the job. I have been in the same position since 2016. This is the end of my 4th year. I love it!

Q: Is this your dream job?

A: Yes, since I was in middle school I have always wanted to become a teacher. I have always wanted to teach young children. These third graders are amazing, and it’s a real joy to watch them learn and grow not only academically, but becoming a part of the society as well.

Q: Describe your typical work day.

A: My typical work day is 8:00-3:00 and it consists of leading, teaching, inspiring, creating, and showing 8-9 year olds what it’s like to be a successful adult. I teach all subjects, so math, english language arts, science, social studies, and more.

Q: What’s the most surprising part of your job?

A: I’d say the most surprising part of my job (not as much anymore but more in the beginning of my career) was beginning to teach in an urban setting. Growing up in suburban world, I was not exposed to some of the concerns I see in my school. It is definitely eye opening at first, but it has taught me how to be more empathetic, helpful, and kind.

Q: What’s the biggest perk of your job?

A: The biggest perk of my job is watching my students learn and grow as individuals. It’s really amazing to see children grow in so many ways in just 180 school days and to be a part of that growth is what motivates me to keep going.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I’m proud of what I accomplished while in school and excelling as an athlete. I am proud of moving on to my dream job, where I plan to be for the rest of my career, and I am proud of creating a family whom I can share these stories and memories with someday.

Q: What is your favorite memory at work?

A: My favorite memories, since I can’t pick just one, are all of the incredible relationships I’ve built, not only with students, but with coworkers as well. My school has so many talented, creative, exceptional teachers who dedicate themselves day in and day out to teaching our children. I learn from them, they learn from me, and it’s really a great atmosphere to be a part of.

Q: How did Rivier prepare you for your role?

A: Rivier’s Education program prepared me in many ways. The most important thing I learned while at Rivier is making connections and relationships with teachers. Becoming an educator, my teachers were always so friendly, understanding, and caring. They always formed a strong relationship with me and my colleagues, and that skill has transferred into my career right now.

Q: What’s your favorite Rivier memory?

A: My favorite memory from Rivier is definitely sports. I have always been a huge fan of sports and being an athlete, and being a part of a team. My favorite specific memory has to be defeating Lasell College Women’s Lacrosse in the semifinals my senior year. The three years prior, we lost, terribly to this team. Finally, my senior year, our team turned it on and we beat them and moved on to the next round.

Q: What advice do you have for current student-athletes?

A: Enjoy every minute because it doesn’t last forever! Find a balance between schoolwork and sports. They are both a huge part of your life right now, but once you’re graduated, you’re in the workforce and going to need a job, so take school very seriously, learn as much as you can to better your life for the future! Keep working hard.

Q: What made you choose Rivier?

A: I chose Rivier because I wanted to be close to my family so I could continue working at our family business. Also, the Education program was exactly what I wanted! Lastly, I would be able to play sports on top of keeping a job and gaining a great education.

Q: Outside of work, what is your life like? I.E. family, kids, what do you do for fun, etc?

A: Outside of work, I spend time with my family. I got married in 2017 to my amazing husband and we have two beautiful children.

Q: Do you have social media accounts that #RivNation can follow to stay up-to-date with you and your career?

A: I have Facebook, yes!

— RivierAthletics.com —