By Calder Costantini – Staff Reporter

As the school year comes to a close, students and teachers alike are reflecting on the experiences, challenges, and successes of the past 10 months. Advocate Staff Reporter Calder Costantini interviewed math teacher Mrs. Francisco about her school year.

Calder Costantini: What was the most memorable moment or achievement from this school year for you as a teacher?

Mrs. Francisco: Being able to challenge some of the most talented students I have had in years was exciting and memorable for me this year. 

CC What was the biggest challenge you faced this year, and how did you handle it?

MF: The biggest challenge I faced was trying to balance upperclassmen independence and student support during morning classes. I look forward to reflecting on how to better handle this in the future. 

CC: What is one thing your students taught you this year?

MF: My students taught me there is always room for laughter in math class.

CC: If you could change or improve one thing about this school year, what would it be?

MF: I would have stuck to my routines all year and kept my standards high for students to meet them. They can do hard things and things that they don’t necessarily want to do – and sometimes they just need the push instead of me giving in. 

CC: What advice or message would you give students going into the next school year?

MF: Like Nike says – Just Do It. Do the work, do the project, do the hard things, stop trying to take the easy way out – your future self will thank you. Do it for the future you.