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Senior column: A tribute to the faculty and staff
WHEN I THINK about my past five years here at Uni, one group of people immediately pops up: the faculty and staff.
In such a small and close-knit school, I've had the pleasant opportunity to take classes from several of them and have gotten to know most whom I haven't.
It's long been known that Uni's teachers are brilliant and extremely dedicated to their students. Being in a class with 20 or so classmates taught by a Uni teacher is an experience like none other. They really know how to grab our attention. Sometimes, I almost have as many jokes and witty comments written on the margins as notes (and yes, I am paying attention).
I can often study for a test solely by looking through my class notes and get a good grade.
But if I only study the textbook, I find myself putting much more time and effort in trying to understand the material. They really do make learning easier.
Most of them could probably go out and write a couple of books on their area of expertise and make quite a bit of money. But instead, they decide to bring their intelligence along with their innovative attitudes into the field.
What I like most is that so many teachers are involved in activities outside of the realm of academics. Whether it's teaching a unique course during Agora Days or organizing school trips, they always surprise me in their vast spectrums of knowledge and interest.
My favorite example would be the yearly Habitat trip that I had the opportunity to participate in this past February. Yes, I know, I've written about it quite a few times, but it really was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I truly learned so much, whether it was working on the house, bonding with the teachers and other students, or learning things from the daily discussions we would have at night.
Their passion for helping is evident in school as well. Every teacher would be happy to have you come by during a free period to ask questions. Plus, it's almost impossible not to find a teacher who would enjoy sponsoring a club, whether it's serious such as United for Uganda or unconventional like Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Club.
With such great faculty and staff, it would seem that Uni would be one of the best high schools ever. And in my opinion, it probably is. Note, however, that I am not at all referring to anything that Newsweek writes. I'm basing my opinions solely on experience, something their rankings gravely lack.
Once again, thanks so much to all the faculty and staff who work at Uni — I've deeply appreciated everything that all of you have taught and done for me.
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