LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Rachel Greenberg's new role as Louisville's first lady is one in that she gets to define herself.
Even if she hasn't quite figured out what that looks like after just over a month since Craig Greenberg was sworn in as mayor.
"I'm getting used to it. To be perfectly honest, it is overwhelming," she said. "I still feel like Rachel Greenberg. It's a transition right now."
With her hands in her lap and a smile across her face, she sat down in a WHAS11 studio for her first TV interview. Another new experience in her new journey as the first lady.
"I have been nervous to do this, but I decided it's time," she said with a laugh.
Craig's role as mayor is clearly defined -- set policy priorities, tackle issues and work to move the city forward.
Rachel is hoping her passion for people will help her mold her role; the people of Louisville have already made an impact on how she sees the city.
"I feel like I'm a better person because of the campaign," she said. "I understand this city better...I did not run every neighborhood like Craig did, but I walked many and I listened. I think going around and listening, you hear similar things. It makes us more ready, me in particular, more ready for today."
Rachel spent years working as an English as a Second Language teacher and has a "huge passion" for working with the immigrant and refugee communities in Louisville.
During the State of the City, Craig announced the creation of the Office of Immigrant Affairs, a move that Rachel is ready to be part of to help make the city a better place.
"We want to highlight the importance of having immigrants and refugees and what they bring to our community. I want to continue to work with that community," she said.
As a teacher herself, education is close to Rachel's heart.
"I still love to be around students, I like to see the light bulb moments. I love to be a part of that." she said. She's toured schools throughout the city and spoken to students and faculty.
"It is amazing when you go out there and you see what the students are doing and what faculty are doing, honestly, with not much help."
Defining her role as Louisville's first lady will be an exercise in putting her background and experience to work, in a way that's authentic and focused on service.
"I hope to make it feel like me while I'm there and bring to it my heart," she said. "I know that sounds hokey but I want to help where I can and I hope people are receptive to that."
Quick Questions with Rachel Greenberg:
Where are you from?
"I was raised in Newport, Rhode Island, which is a super small town. I have a sister and who I'm still very close with. I wish she lived in Louisville."
How did you meet Craig?
"I met Craig we both were in school in Boston. We met on a blind date. And we had been together a long time we met each other. I guess I was 22 and he was 24. And then I moved down here a couple years later. So I've been in Louisville now since 1998."
How did you become an English as a second Language teacher?
When I moved here, I actually worked at Humana. My first job was at Humana. I realized that corporate life was not for me. Jerry Abramson, the mayor, had started this program where you could go on your lunch break and volunteer.
I always wanted to be a teacher. My mother was a teacher, there was an opportunity, Engelhard Elementary. I started going to Engelhard in the English as a Second Language room. At the end of the year, the principal came up to me and she said, 'I'd like to emergency certify you if you're ready.' So I went home, and I was like 'oh my gosh, I never thought of it.' I did it. I ended up giving my notice and then that's how I started in ESL. And then I was placed at Wheatley Elementary for my first job and I was there for a few years.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.