As high school begins, many freshmen face a unique set of challenges and opportunities, particularly when it comes to making new friends and finding a sense of belonging. With a mix of excitement and anxiety, students can take proactive steps to connect with peers, but what about the newest teachers? They are freshmen too. I reached out to two teachers, Ms. Goff, and Ms. Moore. These teachers are some of the newest members of the UAG community. Talking to them really widened my perspective of how there is more to them than the content they teach.

Meet Ms. Goff!

What are your hobbies? And how did you get into them?
I enjoy watching soccer growing up. I like to also learn languages and first got into it during high school, I learned Sign Language, Spanish, and Korean.

Favorite music artist and favorite song and how did you discover them?
Frank Ocean, my favorite song from him is “Pink and white”. I discovered him through friends who I thought had good music taste.

Where did you grow up? And how do you think it affected your upbringing?
I grew up in Kansas City and feel like I have a lot of midwestern qualities such as, constantly smiling and being very polite.

Do you have a favorite show or movie? What makes it your favorite? Is it the acting, the story or something else?
My favorite show is Avatar the Last Airbender because it never gets old and it was my favorite growing up and even now as an adult. I feel it teaches lots of important lessons with every episode.

Do you like to cook? If so, what’s your favorite dish to make? How does that dish make you feel?
I don’t like to cook because it’s time consuming. One of my favorite foods is empanadas.

If there was something you could say to your younger self what would it be and why?
“Have fun and enjoy the point in your life that you’re at” Because life changes a lot and people come in and out of your life a lot so you have to enjoy it when they are there.

What’s your favorite part of being at UAG so far?
I love the community. I love the support I get from my fellow teachers and love learning about new things about students.

For freshmen like me at UAG, what would your advice be to people like me?
It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn to grow upwards from them. I think this would have helped my younger self as well because high school brings a lot of pressure and it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you go upwards from them.

Meet Ms. Moore!

What are your hobbies? And how did you get into them?
I love to cook, go running, spend time with my cat, and listen to music. I have always loved music and found that animation and music make a good relationship.

Favorite music artist and favorite song and how did you discover them?
I discovered Taylor Swift from my older sister when I was in elementary school. My top three songs in no order are 1. Mirror ball 2. Out of the woods. 3. The one

Where did you grow up? And how do you think it affected your upbringing?
I grew up in Central California in a city called Bakersfield. There wasn’t a lot to do in Bakersfield, so I found things to do like going outside, doing art, and spending time with my friends. I believe it helps me make my own fun because there weren’t events or beaches or constant activities, so I found a way to make my own fun.

Do you have a favorite show or movie? What makes it your favorite? Is it the acting, the story or something else?
My favorite movie is “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” because of its innovative storytelling and the heartfelt nature of the narrative. I find it to be a movie I can watch over and over again and find new pieces to appreciate.

Do you have a favorite sport? If not, why?
My favorite sport to play is soccer. I like the collaboration, the strategy and I like to run. I don’t actually watch sports, I just like to watch things with a story.

Do you like to cook? If so, what’s your favorite dish to make? How does that dish make you feel?
I like to cook and to make salmon with roasted vegetables because it makes me feel good and energetic. I also love to make bacon, egg and cheese.

If there was something you could say to your younger self what would it be and why?
It’s okay to make mistakes the more mistakes you make the more you get to learn about yourself and your life and I would advise myself to connect to the people around.

What’s your favorite part of being at UAG so far?
The community because they are the kindest and most supportive people because they always bring you in with open arms.

For freshmen like me at UAG, what would your advice be to people like me?
You’re doing a great job, I would say to the freshmen class and “give yourself credit for what you’ve done so far” and to continue having pride in themselves and their abilities and to keep believing in yourself and take every opportunity.

High school is a journey that involves exploration and growth. Engage in activities, be open to new experiences, and allow time for relationships to develop. I introduced myself to these new teachers and we realized we have similar hobbies and interests. It made me feel more comfortable and connected. It also let them know there is more to me than just a test grade. Take some time to chat with your teachers and get to know them, you might have more in common with them than you know.