05/28/2026
"I came to play games."
My favorite teacher in high school was Mrs. Thompson.
I used to think to myself, I want to be a teacher just like her someday.
She had this presence about her — peaceful, joyful, loving. Somehow when she taught math, she made it seem soooo easy. On special occasions she’d bring doughnuts and we’d play Win, Lose or Draw. She made learning feel safe and fun.
Years later, after college, I had the honor of teaching alongside her as a high school math colleague. She was incredibly kind and always had fun stories to tell. But one moment especially stayed with me.
I walked into the workroom between classes while she was making copies of a test. I asked, “When’s the test?”
She calmly responded, “In 2 minutes.” 😂
I remember pausing because she was SO calm despite not having everything perfectly ready. Meanwhile, I was over here trying to have everything prepared, organized, and perfect at all times. In that moment I realized… it really didn’t matter. Things would work out. There was no need to carry so much stress and pressure all the time.
She truly was an amazing teacher and mentor, and I learned so much from her.
As I reflect on this next chapter and expansion in my work, I’m reminded of something one of my principals once said to me:
“No matter what’s going on or how chaotic things are, you are always so calm, and I like that about you.”
I do love that gift God has given me — the ability to stay calm in chaos. Trust me, it doesn’t mean I never lose my s**t 😂 …because I absolutely do sometimes. But overall, being able to create calm, safety, and connection has become one of the greatest gifts I bring to others.
As a teacher, I always wanted learning to feel meaningful and fun. From recreating Let’s Make a Deal: Halloween Math Edition, to my ridiculous imaginary trophies and ribbons, to “borrowing” another teacher’s freedom poster (which created endless laughs), to taking students outside for kickball or dodgeball after hours of standardized testing — I always believed my job was about more than just teaching math.
And honestly… I still believe that.
Now, through one-on-one coaching and tutoring, I get to support young people beyond academics. Yes, we work on math — but we also work on managing stress, rewiring the belief that they “can’t remember anything,” building confidence, becoming independent thinkers, learning emotional regulation, and creating a safe space where they feel seen and heard.
One of my students recently came for his last lesson before summer break. I asked him, “When’s your exam?”
He said, “It was today.”
Confused, I asked, “Then why are you here?”
He responded:
“Because I wanted to play as many games with you as I could today.” ❤️
My heart absolutely melted.
Sometimes we get so caught up in grades, achievement, pressure, and expectations that we forget the importance of simply being present, feeling safe, having fun, and learning in ways that don’t feel heavy. (And yes… the games are secretly using the math part of their brain 😂).
I feel incredibly blessed to do the work I do with the families and students I serve.
And I’m excited for this next chapter — continuing to guide people not only academically, but emotionally, mentally, and personally into becoming the fullest version of themselves.
