By Andrea Arciga, Staff Writer
Math has always been my favorite subject yet I never knew why. But when I entered high school, I got confused on if I really liked it or not. It wasn’t until I had Mr. Figueroa that I truly realized why I liked the subject so much. Before his class, when people would ask me what my favorite subject was, I knew the answer was “math,” but I never had an answer when they would look at me as if I were crazy and ask me why. Mr. Figueroa helped me recognize the reason.
His passion for teaching was contagious, and his way of breaking down complicated problems made all the dots in my mind connect. He was always patient. No matter how many times I asked the same question, he’d explain things in different ways until I finally understood, and not once did he make me feel bad for not understanding right away.
What really stood out to me, though, was how much fun he made learning. His humor and lively energy made even the most challenging lessons feel exciting. He created an environment where I felt comfortable enough to ask questions and to take risks without the fear of messing up.
Thanks to Mr. Figueroa, math went from being something I simply liked to something I felt deeply connected to. He reminded me why I had loved it in the first place, and for that, I will always appreciate him for it.
By Rayne Figueroa, Staff Writer
I had a teacher who taught me all I know about music and brought out my passion. His name is Mr. Bart
Tompkins, and although he’s retired now, he left a tremendous impact on my life inside and outside of music.
He was my music teacher from 4th grade at Tierra Vista, all the way to 8th grade at Oceanview Junior High. He influenced me by being an amazing role model and teaching me how to play clarinet, the instrument I absolutely fell in love with.
At one point I was just a 4th grader deciding which instrument I wanted to play, ultimately choosing the clarinet because it reminded me of Squidward. Now I’ve been playing for 8 years and I can attribute at least a slice of my dedication to Mr. Tompkins.
It was tough-love having him as a teacher, but he truly pushed me to be the best and he pushed other students to do great things as well. Not only that, but I knew he pushed himself too. He would balance teaching three elementary schools, and a middle school, as well as contribute to his own band.
Most of all, I was changed by his sayings. It stuck with me when he said to always have integrity, be fair, and do what’s right even when no one is looking. He also guided me by teaching me discipline, reminding me to show respect even as a leader, and helping me find my voice.
When he would call us to attention the band would respond by shouting, “Pride!” and it reminded me to have pride in how I play, what I say, and what I do. One of the most powerful things I learned from Mr. Tompkins was to use my adrenaline to my advantage.
As a musician, it’s so easy to get nervous and let that change how you perform, but before this recital in 8th grade, he reminded us that the anxiety we’re feeling is only adrenaline. This helped me take a breath, clear my mind, and use my adrenaline to enhance my performance.
I reflected back on this memory recently before a performance I had where I did an improv jazz solo. I was quite nervous, but I used that nervousness to focus and I didn’t let the little mistakes I made hinder how proud I was of myself. Overall, he was a fantastic teacher who I know impacted a lot of people.
By Vivianna Juarez, Staff Writer
As teacher appreciation week approaches, I would like to thank a teacher who inspired me: Ms. Plasencia.
Ms. Plasencia isn’t just a teacher but someone you can count on. If there was a day where I wasn’t feeling my best or needed someone to talk to she was always there for me. I really appreciate that as a student because sometimes you don’t want to tell your friends and feel more comfortable talking to someone like a teacher who won’t judge and will give you good advice. A teacher isn’t just someone who teaches a subject but also a role model for their students.
The minute you walk into her class she greets everyone and always gives compliments. She makes everyone feel welcomed which is something some teachers don’t care about. Another really special thing about Ms. Plasencia is that before winter break she makes the whole class tamales in honor of her traditions.
I appreciate Ms. Plasencia because she supports and helps you in whatever she can, like starting clubs and even on homework from different classes. She doesn’t have to do any of this, but because she really cares about her students she does whatever it takes to make them smile. Everyone deserves a teacher who makes them feel worthy of their presence, gives them a sense of belonging and creates a safe space. I appreciate Ms. Plasencia for all she does for her students.
By Dalila Lomeli, Staff Writer
One teacher I appreciate is my elementary school teacher at Lugonia Elementary School, Mrs. Arzaga. She was one of the first teachers I liked in elementary, and I had her for first grade and second grade.
She had short blonde hair and glasses; she was fairly tall and always dressed in floral shirts, dark denim jeans, and slip-on ballet slippers.
She was so understanding and caring with everyone, which was relieving since I was a shy kid. I made many friends in her class, even though I would get shy just talking to people.
She was the teacher who pushed me to read, and from then on I enjoyed reading whenever I had the time. I remember her giving us library cards and encouraging us to read books inside and outside of class.
Mrs. Arzaga is one of the teachers I won’t forget simply for her sheer kindness and understanding she had in her. She was the last teacher I had before I moved to Oxnard, and although I’ve never been able to visit her again, I hope she’s OK wherever she is.
By Suri Perez, Staff Writer
I’ve often heard the quote, “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.” When I heard this quote, one person immediately came to mind: Ms. Solis. Ms. Solis was my teacher at Mar Vista Elementary. She has been that special teacher for me since the first grade.
From the moment I could speak, Spanish was the only language spoken at home. Because of this, I was always nervous and afraid about going to school and not fitting in with some of my other classmates.
When Ms. Solis came into my life, she became a person who represented education and guidance. I remember sitting in the classroom as she pulled me aside to help me go through a list of words, patiently working with me to improve my reading. As we would go through those lists together she had this unique way of making me feel completely comfortable through my learning process, always reassuring me that making mistakes was OK. No matter the errors I made she never became frustrated or impatient, but instead she was supportive and encouraging, which would create an impact that became forever.
I can confidently say Ms. Solis has played a major role in shaping the type of person and student I am today. Even though I grew up and my environment has changed throughout the years, I’ve never stopped reaching out to her.
To this day, I frequently visit my old elementary school and help Ms. Solis throughout the school day. I help by doing things such as assisting the children during their playtime, during class activities, and supporting them with homework. These visits have always allowed me to strengthen my bond with Ms. Solis, who has always had the gift and ability for making her students feel comfortable and valued.
With her, I am able to express my thoughts and emotions freely without fear of judgment. Ms. Solis has been more than simply just my teacher – she’s been my mentor and my role model. Her constant support and encouragement have not just helped me academically but also personally. I carry with me the same humor and confidence she has taught me. And for that I will forever be grateful and appreciate her.
By Diana Villicana, Staff Writer
To be a good teacher, in my opinion, you have to teach the material in a way students understand;
however, what distinguishes a good teacher from a great teacher is how a teacher makes a student feel. I’ve had many teachers who taught the material well enough, but every day in their class I felt stupid, inferior, or like I was going to cry.
Ms. Blyleven never made me feel like an idiot. She never belittled me and she taught Economics in a way where I found the subject interesting. I struggled in certain parts of the class, but I believe I still could help students with what she taught me despite my taking the class almost a year ago.
Another great teacher I’d like to acknowledge and thank is Mr. Tejeda. I never expected much from AVID; I hated it in middle school and thought it would just be more pressure to go into a university right away or I’d be failing my family. Never once did Mr. Tejeda make me feel like I was going to be a disappointment. It was the opposite. Everything from his Motivational Mondays to his positive attitude – even his corny dad jokes – were great. Well, they weren’t good jokes but they were still enjoyable to hear each day.
I still go to his classroom after my 0 period each day because it sucks not having his class. I know some teachers think it’s hard to get involved in their students’ lives or make them feel seen, but it honestly isn’t that much effort. Just being called by my name was enough to make me feel seen. Even a simple “good morning” was enough for me.
