Our Upper School English teacher, Ms Shannon White, is our interviewee for this edition, and we looked forward to discovering more about her personality, hobbies and opinions about academic life.
PP: How was your experience with school growing up?
SW: I always enjoyed school, and had a terrific experience as a young child. I grew up in a small suburb of Chicago and attended a K-8 school with only about 40 students per grade. Since we were a small group, my classmates and I were very close despite any differences we may have had. However, in the middle of 8th grade I moved to a town about 20 minutes away. I ended up attending a high school with over 3000 students, over 700 in my freshman class alone. It took me a few years to adjust to the transition, and my grades struggled a bit at this time. It was actually my 10th grade English teacher who saw something in me and motivated me to get back on track academically.
PP: What is your favorite grade to teach?
SW: Overall, I would have to choose 11th grade. I taught solely 11th and 12 grades for over 10 years and loved it. Partly because of the maturity level of students at that age, and partly due to being able to read and discuss higher level texts in those grades. The only reason I would have to say 11th over 12th is due to “senioritis.” 12 graders often check out at the end of their senior year.
PP: What is your favorite book?
SW: It is impossible to choose just one. So I will tell you few of my favorites: As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahri. There are so many more I could list.
PP: What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
SW: If I would have been asked this question 10 years ago, my answer would be completely different. At this point in my life, If I were to pursue a different career it would be in the fitness industry. I think I would enjoy teaching group fitness classes. However, technically that is still teaching, right? Ha ha!
PP: What are your hobbies? When did you start doing them?
SW: My biggest hobby is running. I only started running regularly a little over a decade ago, when I was in my early thirties. At first it was just a way to get in shape and lose some weight, and now it is something I cannot imagine ever giving up.
PP: Do you think the arts are an important part of education?
SW: Yes, without question. What would life be like without music, art, drama, film in the world? It is important that young people are exposed to these fields early on so that they may pursue them if they wish and cultivate their talent.
PP: Do you have a message to share with EARJ’s students?
SW: Do not take for granted or waste the opportunities given to you. Be a lifelong learner. Travel, try new things, read all you can, seek out experiences that allow you to meet people and view the world from multiple perspectives.
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