Tides Of Change

Tides Of Change Teachers share their high school experience and advice

by Avery Schlattman, Reporter &Mollie Banstetter, Layout Editor

High school is the four years students have to explore what they want their future to look like. With finals creeping upon us like a storm on the radar, it can be hard to remember that our teachers have endured similar struggles that we are being met with.

Although this is the time to buckle down and set yourself up for future success math teacher, Ms. Alcorn reminds students that the stress is manageable. “Don’t sweat the small stuff, most things that happen aren’t gonna matter in a year,” Alcorn said.

“Focus on the big picture. What that really means is to remember that you’re not a number or a letter. You’re a person and you mean much more than what your grades tell about you.”

As the first semester of the school year is coming to a close, it can prove to be a challenge to keep hold of motivation. Mr. Jarrett advises students to find classes that spark an interest. “Try and find what you’re interested in while you’re still in high school. Look to see what classes you can take with that and find a way to fit them in your schedule,” Jarrett said.

Ms. McFarland shares a similar piece of advice saying, “Just enjoy it. Find your niche and enjoy it because you’re gonna miss it. You make your experience what it is, make it fun. Make sure to participate and just get involved.”

With four years of homework, tests, essays, and projects, feelings of being overwhelmed are bound to take hold. How you handle it and learn to manage it, is a window to your future and Mr. D’Antonio reminds students just that. “Life doesn’t get easier, you just improve your skills. I think every student should understand that life is never as good as it seems or as bad as it seems, reality is always somewhere in the middle.”

The tides of change are on the horizon, but with the advice of Liberty teachers, navigating the uncharted waters can become less daunting.

McFarland

Jarrett

D' A n t o n i o

photos by A. Schlattman Alcorn

“Learn how to study better in high school so when you go to college it’s not so different.” -McFarland “I worried way too much about things that really didn’t matter. Focus on the big picture.” -Alcorn “Take the ACT more than once. I left a lot of money on the table. I could have tried to take it again and gotten a much better scholarship.” -D’Antonio “Certain things aren’t as funny as they seem. I won’t go into detail, but I wasn’t exactly a model student, that’s for sure.” - Jarrett

What advice would you give your high school self?

1992 Alcorn

“I would say the technology and social media. That wasn’t a thing when I was in school.” - McFarland

1984 Jarrett

what year did you graduate?

2005 D’Antonio

2009 McFarland What’s the biggest difference between your high school career and high school today?

“There are a lot more clubs and activities, so students are a lot busier after school. When I started teaching, I was still writing on chalkboards and taking attendance on Scantrons.” - Alcorn

“Probably social media. All we had was AOL Messenger.” - D’Antonio

“There’s a lot but I think one of the biggest ones is the work ethic. When I was in high school there were no extensions or late work. If something was due, it was due.” - Jarrett

photos submitted by teachers