By Addison Schwing – Editorial and News Editor

Although Mrs. Francisco has only been teaching at Law for two years, her impact on this school and its students has been immense. She teaches Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus, and is a common sight in the Support Center, where she can be found assisting her students. She is also the coach for the girls soccer team, and leads the “Judges” during the school pep rallies alongside Mrs. Russel. Advocate Editorial and News Editor Addison Schwing met with Mrs. Francisco to discuss how she has been dealing with quarantine.

Addison Schwing: Why did you decide to become a teacher? 

Mrs. Francisco: When I was a little kid, I wanted to become a doctor. I wanted to help people. However, when I was in high school, I had a really tough junior year with some personal problems. My teachers were always a constant – showing love, support, and encouragement. I wouldn’t have made it through if it wasn’t for some of them. I also happened to love math. I figured, if I could help kids in life AND hopefully help them not hate math, that’s a win-win for me! So, the doctor thing didn’t work out, but I like to think I’m helping as many people as I can, just in a different way. 

Addison Schwing: What do you enjoy the most about teaching?

Mrs. Francisco: Hands down, the most enjoyable part about teaching is working with my students. Whether it is witnessing that “lightbulb” moment when a kid finally understands a concept, saying hello to a student in the hallway and having them respond with a genuine smile, making my students sing and laugh at my dorky teaching ways, or helping them discover something about themselves that they never knew. There are so many wonderful things about working with students that make the best memories. 

AS: What have you been doing to pass the time in quarantine? 

Mrs. F: To pass the time in quarantine, I have been trying to complete some DIY projects around my house. My favorite is the desk that I just repainted and bought new handles for! Other than that, I talk lots of walks with the dog, I have been babysitting my 6-month old niece, and binging Netflix series. I may or may not also be guilty of watching a stupid number of TikToks in a day.

AS:What shows or movies have you enjoyed recently? 

Mrs. F: My husband, niece, and I watch Disney+ movies all the time (preferably the ones with good music) and also just started “Money Heist”  on Netflix. It is a Spanish series with dubbed vocals (but once you get passed the fact that the sound and their lips don’t match up… it’s intriguing). 

AS: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow teachers and students? 

Mrs. F: There is way too much that I’d like to say, but I’ll try to keep it short. 

To my fellow teachers – I miss being around you and even miss the copier jams. 

To my students – I’m so proud of the way you have dealt with our online learning; whether that has been asking for help, emailing me to tell me you need more time, keeping on top of the assignments, doing more than expected, knowing that earning a 59% will still allow you to pass for the year so you focused more on your mental health (or other classes), coming to my boring Google Meets just to say hello, and everything/anything in between – everyone is different and we will all be able to find a silver lining to this at some point. To my seniors – I will honestly miss you! I have taught some of you for two years (my only two years at Law) and will always remember you. Remember to make good choices, be kind to one another, keep me informed on your future successes and USE THE BATHROOM AT APPROPRIATE TIMES! (hehe)