I am currently in my fifth year of teaching at Poplarville Upper Elementary.
I have received a double Bachelor’s in English and History from William Carey University, as well as a Master’s Degree in English Language and Literature. While at William Carey, I had the opportunity to serve as a work-study and assistant for the university’s Art Department, under Dr. Read Diket, something I was not at all qualified for. However, that gave me my first opportunity at anything close to the struggles of teaching, an experience which I greatly appreciate.
While a student in the Poplarville School District, I had the opportunity to have teachers like Mrs. Garrett, Coach Ross, Mr. Broom, Mr. Hall, and Mr. Windham. In high school, I participated in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a quiz bowl competition based on oceanographic and geological knowledge. Among others, those teachers and experiences helped shape my style of teaching. However, no one has influenced me more than my mother, who spent 15 years teaching English at Poplarville High School. Watching her challenges and triumphs prepared me for the struggles of being an educator, as well as the victories.
In my years at PUE, I have learned a great deal from my fellow teachers, and I could not be where I am without them. I find daily sources of inspiration in their examples. Despite being lackluster with it at the start, I have found that I greatly enjoy working with challenging students. There are few experiences more rewarding than helping a student see in themselves what they thought impossible. My time in Poplarville has been a highlight of my life, and I enjoy being part of its continued success, one student at a time.