As some of you know, I'm applying to CSN High School. So with the possibility of this being my last semester as a Skyhawk, I'm getting awfully nostalgic about the lessons, friends, and experiences I've had here at Silverado High School. But one of the most unique things about any school is its teachers - the people we're stuck learning from, sometimes about things I don't think they intended to teach us really. So out of my last two years as a Skyhawk, here's my roundup of the seven teachers I will most definitely remember.
1. Mr. Neal, English 9 Honors
As part of his last round of Skyhawk freshmen, Mr. Neal completely made my year of English one to remember forever. First off, he was hilarious! I've heard both good and bad about him, so I think it really depends on the student, but to me, he will likely remain one of my favorite teachers for a long, long time. He challenged me personally, socially, emotionally, and academically- and I'm thankful for his time and creative point of view in so many ways. He made every attempt to get to know us as people and taught us how English could be applied to life- sometimes in the oddest and out of the box ways. Also, any teacher who will teach from the top of his supply cabinet gets my utmost respect- just saying.
2. Mrs. Pavlidies, Psychology
Okay, I've never even HAD Mrs. Pav as my teacher and I'll always remember her fondly. I've hardly met anyone who doesn't think she's one-of-a-kind, and she's so genuine, creative, and confident - I can see that just from my brief times with her. Have you met another woman, or teacher, like her? I know I haven't! And I think it's amazing! She ran down from her class in ruby, red heels and hair bonnet just to tell this one student how fabulous they were in psychology at a Student of the Month luncheon once, and if any lady knows how to make a statement with her outfit alone, I feel like it'd be Mrs. Pav.
3. Miss Breshears a.k.a. Sensei, Japanese
Most anyone who's taken Japanese will at least tell you that Sensei is one of the most creative teachers ever when it comes to teaching. Period. Whether it's catchy songs, weird games, or interesting facts, she makes the class really enjoyable almost always. She's willing to belt out a song in front of a class that's barely awake (songs, by the way, that I will also probably remember for ages) and never stops believing us.
4. Mrs. Carder, Geometry H
Never before have I had a teacher have so much excitement over a "C" test, and it was amazing. I could get constant C's and B's and she'd still be like, "you're great at math! You got this! Of course I'll recommend you for that!" Coming from an insane 8th grade Algebra teacher (Diggins, anyone?), my first high school math teacher was a literal Godsend. She was one of those solidly good teachers we so often tend to forget, and even though my dislike of Geometry continues- she was probably the best part of the whole thing.
5. Mr. Philips, Algebra II H
In the best way, Mr. Philips is as lazy as you. He wants the easiest, most straightforward way to find that "x", even if all the other teachers are given you the 10 step method. Even through my zombie-like groggy 7 a.m. self, somehow I get what he's saying. He's also been super good about my late homework habit... I feel like he should get points for that in all honesty, especially given my awkward jokes when I hand it in after school that day. I know in 1st period we're all zombies, but deep down I laugh at his dumb jokes. He's at least trying here, haha.
6. Mrs. Wiegand, Chemistry H
She gave us all the high school chemistry lab memories that we always thought we would have - I mean, what else could you want? We've made colored flames, gold pennies, and we're not even done with the year! She knows science is so much more than lecture notes, and I couldn't be more thankful for the return to active science in her class. She works hard to make chemistry and science simple to understand, even if it's a subject that's super far from your favorite. Wiegand's another solidly good teacher that's so easy to forget sometimes.
7.Mrs. Gerken, English 10 H
For better or for worse, Mrs. Gerken is one classy lady. With her funky sweaters and matching shoes, she's someone I can picture my grammar from across the table at Red Lobster (I don't know why she reminds me of that place so much, but she really does). Mrs. Gerken is the other side of the English teacher coin, teaching you actual grammar, spelling, and vocabulary instead of whatever their whimsy self decides to talk about today (come on, there are upsides to that). This is honestly great when the SAT decides they don't care that your middle school teachers never taught comma rules. While I can appreciate the creative, I can also appreciate the standard and classic, and Mrs. Gerken is just that.
So there you have it! These are only seven out of several more, but for better or worse, these are some of the biggies I'll always remember when I look back at my high school years. What are some of your favorites? Least favorites? I'd love to hear in the comments below! As always, thanks for reading and can't wait to see you again next week!
