GHHS Teacher Advice to Students
Artwork mentioned in teacher advice from Ms. Kelsey.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 86% of students in the state of Ohio graduate each year. Upon their path to graduation, students learn many facts in many subjects. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce requires students to complete courses, show their readiness through readiness seals, and display competency in the basic areas of mathematics and English language arts or through alternative options.
Educators in high schools are tasked with preparing and teaching students the information needed in order for them to succeed with graduation and their plans after high school. Sometimes however, what the students need doesn’t come from the curriculum that their teachers are sharing with them each day. For some students, some of the most valuable information that they gain is general advice that teachers aren’t required to share.
Although there is no class in Grandview Heights High School that is dedicated to sharing life advice, the GHHS is filled with teachers who see the education of their students as one of the most important things. So rather than introduce a class or club that centers itself with advice from peers and educators, seventeen teachers were interviewed directly and asked to share one piece of advice that they wish to share with the students of GHHS.
All kinds of advice was shared by the teachers at GHHS. One of the most common themes found within the teacher’s advice regarding putting yourself out there and challenging yourself. For example, Ms. Meister, a math teacher at GHHS, said “Seek opportunities that will make you learn how to win and lose with class. Life will hand you both wins and losses. How you handle them will define your character.” In her advice, Ms. Meister highlighted how putting yourself out there and seeking opportunities can help you later. She crucially noted that looking for ways to encounter both positive and negative experiences is key to preparing yourself for all aspects of life.
Another piece of advice similar to Ms. Meister’s was, “Failure is life's greatest teacher! Take risks, life is a whole lot more rewarding outside your comfort zone.” from Mr. Smith, a social studies teacher. Yet again, in this piece of advice students were reminded and encouraged to take risks. In both pieces of advice the acceptance of making mistakes and doing things out of your comfort zone were promoted and students can gain how important it is to seek out opportunities.
A second theme that was commonly found throughout the advice given by GHHS staff was to be kind to yourself and others. For instance, Ms. Kelsey, a visual arts specialist said,“My advice is, "Don't be a jerk". You can be a lot of things, but it's never necessary to be an actual jerk. I am quoting from one of my favorite artists, Barbara Kruger…”
Here, Ms. Kelsey reiterated to students just how important kindness was. She reminded them that there is so much you can do in the world but being mean shouldn't be one of them, highlighting the importance of kindness to others. Another example was found in Ms. Hunt’s advice, “Not to spend so much time on what others think of you and spend more time on what makes you happy.” Ms. Hunt is an english teacher at GHHS and she reminded students with her advice that the best way to be kind to themselves and do what makes them feel good doesn’t depend on what others are thinking. With both pieces of, from Ms. Kelsey and Ms. Hunt, students can be reminded of the kindness that is so valuable to have throughout life.
In conclusion, teachers throughout GHHS have the ability to teach so much about designated subjects and also some extremely helpful and important pieces of advice. Some of the most common themes found in their advice was to take risks by seeking opportunities and to treat yourself and others with kindness. Lastly, the teachers who were mentioned in the article were not the only ones with valuable pieces of advice, so it is encouraged that the rest of the advice is read as listed below.
“Read broadly. Read across genres and cultures and life experiences. Read to understand people and the world and yourself.” -Mr. McCarthy, English teacher.
“My advice is to always take the detours in life. Some of the best things that have happened in my life (like becoming a teacher) are things I never "planned" on.” -Mr. Hedge, French teacher.
“My advice is to make connections with people here because you never know how those connections will help you in the future.” -Mrs. Mascia, Spanish teacher.
“My advice to students: strive to remain open-minded throughout both education and life. Don't be so quick to label yourselves or declare your interests, likes, and dislikes too soon. You may be surprised how many times an activity or subject matter you initially brushed off as unimportant or uninteresting could prove useful or enjoyable later in life.” -Mr. Grega, Vocal Music Director.
“If I could give one piece of advice to the students at GHHS, it would be this: Protect your "well-roundedness" as much as your GPA. There is often a lot of pressure to "double up" on heavy academic loads, but high school is a unique window of time to explore who you are beyond a transcript. Don’t feel like you have to sacrifice the arts or your favorite extracurriculars just to check a box.” -Mrs. Olis, Director of Bands.
“With your education, always make it about the learning. It will take you further in life.” -Mrs. Downer, Honors Geometry & Mathematics teacher.
“Don’t be afraid to ask.” -Mr. Peters, Social Studies teacher.
“My initial thought isn't school related, but I want students to know they are enough. You don't have to be an A student or star athlete. You are unique and beautiful wherever you are in your journey.” -Ms. Engle, Media Center Specialist.
“Have a vision for what you want your future to look like and chase it.” -Mr. Ghiloni, Paraprofessional and Boys Basketball Coach
“One piece of advice I would give to students is to ask questions…It is always best to ask and know rather than to not ask and stress.” -Mr. Wappner, Science teacher.
“Be true to who you are.” -Mrs. Wieland, Science teacher.
“The journey is the destination.” -Mr. Johnson, IT & Business teacher.