By Mikayla Weiss, Staff Writer
Oftentimes, students come into school and see teachers at their desks grading papers and preparing lessons. At the end of the school day, the students are walking out of class, going home, and teachers are still at their desks doing the same thing. Day in, day out, most students may not think about teachers’ personal lives, and think their only purpose is to grade, but teachers have personal lives too.
Ms. Herrera (Biology), did not travel too far over the winter break. Although she didn’t leave the state, she still traveled to “The Happiest Place on Earth.” She also met her niece for the first time. She had a ton of fun at Disneyland, but the day she got back, the happiness caught up with her. “I got super sick on Christmas after getting back from Disneyland,” Herrera said.
Mrs. Parker (Art Teacher), visited a ton of dumpling restaurants with her husband and child over the break. “I recommend Yang Kee in Davis or United Dumplings in Oakland. They’re the best,” Parker said. When she wasn’t venturing out for the best dumplings, she was connecting with her extended family.
Dr. Schott (French & Biology), on the other hand, traveled to Denver over the long weekend. “Over break, I used my time off to travel, cook, read and get a head start on planning my classes for the 2026 spring semester, because when I’m away from school, all I think about is my students and what we can do together in the classroom. My students would be both pleased and disheartened because that means I’m thinking about my students all the time. But that also turns into a lot of work for them,” Schott said.
Ms. Thomas (Art Teacher), traveled to the Lone Star State. She spent the whole two weeks in Texas, spending some much-needed quality time with her family. “I miss being close to my siblings and parents, so I can truly unwind when I am with them,” Thomas says. Like all Mariners, including teachers, they just want to spend time with their family over the holidays.
[“Attached is a picture of Ms Pearl, the giant squirrel outside of Berdall’s – a local Texas food store,” Thomas says.]
There’s a big chance that most students spent time with their loved ones or extended families, traveled, and even tried new restaurants. In the end, gaining insights into these teachers’ personal lives shows that they are not just teachers, but play many roles outside the classroom.
About the Author
