There are many stigmas associated with Hammond High School, with many people who go to Hammond High looked at as though they are setting themselves up for failure. But many of those teachers don’t feel this way, and one in particular is creating a path for students to walk in the positivity HHS has to offer. Something that one can only feel while walking through the halls of the school. AP Psych, Economics and U.S History teacher Mrs. Anita Cox is one of those people.
Being a teacher is a huge role, with not many people seeing and understanding the good they are capable of doing. Teachers have a power to mold and point in a direction that is worthwhile to a student, they are responsible for seeing the future presidents, actresses and other influential individuals. Speaking to Mrs.Cox, and actually being in her class has broadened my eyes and my peers.
What would be the message a teacher really wants to get into the mind of a student? Cox has a specific message and it is truly inspiring.
Cox replied: “The message I want to get to at least one student is that they are very powerful. Everything they do has an effect on someone else. Every good and generous thing they do helps make the world a better place. Every bad and selfish thing they do makes the world a worse place. They can be someone’s hero or someone’s misery. “
Teaching any subject can be a challenge for every teacher especially when teaching more than one subject as Mrs. Cox does.
When asked how she managed to do this, she replied with a surprising comment.
“Teaching more than one subject is challenging. I don’t like teaching more than two subjects at a time because planning takes more time than students realize. No year ever stays the same for me so it takes away from my ability to perfect my teaching,” says Cox.
Every high school has its flaw, they are common. It is an environment with well over 200 hundred teenagers. HHS has been going through tough times with the negative comments being thrown its way, but there are teachers and students who attempt to make a difference every day.
“Sometimes I have to make a conscious effort to focus on positive things. The foul language and lazy behavior creates smog in our school, but when I see Steffi Gallarzo, Santiago Andrade, Diana Gil and Mr. Glassford, I smile, says Cox.” “They, along with many others are shining lights in our school. They always try to be kind, good and caring and so they give me hope. Those are some of the people that will make this world a better place.”
No school is perfect. Not every teenager understands or has any clue in what their future holds for them, but when presented with teachers like Mrs. Cox, there is always hope available for them.