By Valerie Garcia-Vallejo and Camilla Gelacio
Melissa Sanchez, our very own football coach, U.S. history, and American Government/ Economics teacher has been selected to be our “Old School” teacher of the issue. Of course, as a teacher, Sanchez is surrounded by high schoolers everyday, but we are curious to know what she was doing in high school and all about her experience.
Where did you go to high school?
Del Mar High School.
What was your school’s mascot?
Dons.
When did you graduate?
1995.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
Swimming, yearbook and I had a job.
What was your favorite class in high school and why?
History, I had an amazing teacher for gov/econ.
Who were your favorite bands/artists/songs while in high school?
I listened to almost everything. I liked Dave Matthews Band and Inexs.
What was your favorite tv show in high school?
X-files.
What was your favorite novel?
Canterbury tales. I read it my senior year and later I realized they were not appropriate. But in general, I did a lot of reading.
Where was your favorite place to hangout with friends?
The quad on campus and going to the mall off campus.
Did you have a favorite teacher in high school?
My history teacher, Mr. Clemenson.
What was your favorite movie while in high school?
Die Hard and TheMatrix.
What is your least favorite memory of high school?
I had a good friend who passed away. I had a teacher who was condescending about the entire situation and uncaring about it.
How did you get to school?
I walked.
What was your favorite high school event?
The banquet at the end of swim season.
In high school, were you involved in football?
No. Girls were not accepted in terms of playing football. I wanted to kick, but I did not approach the coach. I did go to the games.
Have you always enjoyed history class?
Yes, I did.
How would you compare your high school experience to what you see now?
The way students talk to teachers is very different. If I had rolled my eyes at a teacher, my mom would tame me. It is so common now that students disrespect their teachers. I do like how you guys have more extracurricular activities and more acceptance though. Specifically, I admire that you guys have more options with clubs, for example, GSA.
What from high school has impacted you as a teacher now?
I have a twin sister and we were constantly compared to each other. By the time we were seniors, we were in about 5-6 classes together. It has impacted me as a teacher. Now, I do not look for comparisons within students. I try really hard to see them for themselves and not as who their siblings are. I want the kids to have their own identity and be their own person.