10 THANK
YOU
apachepowwow.tumblr.com
By CINDY TSE
By CHRISTINA READ
l ive n o S s.
November 2015
By SUNNY WU
Staff Writer
My first small-group practice with Coach Chris Schultz took place during my second week of track in my freshman year. Understandably, I was nervous—I didn’t know what to expect. In smaller groups, I wondered, would Coach Schultz be nicer, more approachable? I discovered the answer a few minutes later when he threw a roll of tape at me. (Don’t worry, no children are actually hurt in the making of the relay team.) I’d like to say that since then, our relationship has drastically changed. But that wouldn’t be true. This year, I actually signed up for a semester elective just to avoid taking a full year of track. A cross country member in my class told me she recognized my name because of hearing Coach Schultz yell it so often. And my favorite days of the week will always be jump-practice days, not just because I love my events, but because those are the days we get to skip running bleachers. Despite this, I’ve stayed in track for two years and plan on staying for another two, in no small part thanks to Coach Schultz’s coaching. An important part of Coach Schultz’s coaching philosophy: we almost never practice what we can already do—every practice has the time goal set a little too low, the high jump bar just a little too high, and the long jump distance a little too far. No, he doesn’t do that because he hates us (well, maybe a little). He does it because he knows we can do it. So what if the bar is—literally—way too high? Coach Schultz believes all of us can step up to the challenge. And although everyone in track—or Quiz Bowl, or his English classes, or really anything he’s involved in—loves to complain about how tough he is, or how much he expects, we also all appreciate how much he believes in us. Coach Schultz is tough because he knows we can do it, and he’s not afraid to make us prove that—even if we’re proving it to ourselves. He’s the kind of coach who says you can do something until even you believe it, and he’s the kind of coach who’ll always encourage you to do just a little bit better than last time. I know that I don’t say this enough, but I really do appreciate all he’s done for me. Whenever I’m unsure, I know Coach Schultz will be the first to remind me that I can do it. It means a lot to me that, even if I don’t do well, Coach Schultz will always encourage me to try harder and insist that I am good enough. Now, I’m no longer that scared freshman he threw a roll of tape at—I’m a scared junior, but at least track isn’t scary anymore. I know I have a coach that believes in me and will always have my back—even if I’m at the back of the race.
History is often seen as dull, dusty, and allaround boring. And yet, despite its less than stellar reputation, it remains as one of my favorite subjects, thanks to the fantastic teacher known as Mrs. Laura Galloway. She’s spunky, charismatic, and ready for the barrage of questions. Fifth period is lively and loud, a break from the other stressful classes that fill most of my day. I can take a break and settle in for an hour of the narrative of former times. With her, history is a journey through time between places of eras past. As we embark through various interconnected timelines, the lines start drawing together, and the lessons I had almost forgotten from the last few grades are slowly put into their places. I always notice how no question goes unnoticed or completely unanswered. Sometimes the queries are bizarre, sometimes they are discerning, and Mrs. Galloway can take each one in stride. Each one can elicit some sort of reaction or new topic and ensures that there is never a dull moment. Best of all, she has information and stories that expand beyond the rigid walls of a textbook or video. What seem like insignificant happenings get much more attention and deserved recognition. Characters such as Nikola Tesla and Ivan Pavlov would probably only be mentioned offhandedly in a standard study book, but here, their work is explained in better detail and with a sense of admiration. It is a great experience to be able to understand and appreciate what has happened before to see how it shapes and connects to our society now. Instead of just reading off a PowerPoint or sending us to through the book on our own, she also gives insightful examples and can capture attention. It is an active class that can bring events to life and introduce interesting people and events that might otherwise go unnoticed. Instead of just being happenings that go in order, it becomes a story of the world, with numerous problems and consequences. Mrs. Galloway’s willingness to help makes even the most complex concepts seem learnable. From the turmoil of the French Revolution to the age of imperialism and beyond, she is there every step of the way. Few teachers can claim to be able to make any of their students carry on their knowledge for longer than a couple weeks, and it is through her, I am always able to learn something new.
How can I possibly d on me, like no other tea I would much rather p gently encouraging th day. A prominent oa abandoning its place. tree house that welco there would be a de Sunrise: From th I could ever ask for. her. While complainin way too hard, my 64% As soon as I had said that is a test to see who is worthy a gratitude when she said that; I felt like I had failed yet she grade up to two grade levels after two months. I would’ve g Oak Tree: I’ve learned that in high school, everything and ever there for me, sweet as ever, and I know she will always be whether I a of Love.” After picking out a seat and sitting down, a figure appeare I was alone, then swung my backpack across her back and sighed, I feel like she is truly interested in me: she cares abo crushes on, my progress in school, my confusions about th She laughs at the stupid stories I tell her but she also sole the stories that trouble me. Full with wisdom, she has al problems I was stuck in, enlightening me with things like, “ or “don’t quit the road to self-discovery; it’s how you’ll life-long happiness.” I value her guidance that sound so p Treehouse: Ms. Soliven’s classroom, S-111, is my second she created to help us become more confident, the room wou side, whether she had her morning coffee, or not. Her class w even possessed leadership qualities that I never thought was in that she is with me in my other classrooms. Because whene Pond: I’m not sure if everyone can relate to this fee finally understood by someone. When I read her emails o head. Even though we barely spend a fraction of our day alike that our brains reflect one another. It’s strange, for so If I ever get the chance, I will absolutely paint her t and I am truly thankful for her, for brightening a than a teacher or a mentor. He blessed m
ctse@apachepowwow.com
To our t
cread@apachepowwow.com
M
Staff Writer
Thank you for ma Mr. Schultz
Mrs. Galloway
