South High science teacher Sara Point said that in her classes, she wants every student to feel seen.
Point said that when she decided to enter the teaching field, she already had a biology degree. When she injured herself at her previous employment, it hindered her ability to work that job. After receiving an offer to return to college, she undertook the decision to pursue education.
She decided to pursue education for three reasons: her three teenage children, the desire to share her knowledge of science and the world around her with others and wanting to make a difference in students’ lives.
Point said that she didn’t see herself being an educator as a kid and wanted to be a doctor instead. But as a parent and big sister, she was always educating those around her.
She also said her biggest passion as an educator is helping her students achieve as much of their potential as they can and seeing great potential in every student she has whether it is someone in her class or not.
Point described herself as a nature and science enthusiast who is always glad to share her knowledge and experience with others. “But I’m a little bit disorganized,” she added.
The animal she feels represents her best is a lioness because she would go to all extremes to protect her children.
She advises the youth of today to live in the moment and not look for excuses to suppress their potential as people. “Please live in the moment and enjoy the struggles that come your way because in the end, they will make you stronger.”
Point said a change she has seen in students over the years is how some get disgruntled or give up too easily, highlighting today’s technology and how it gets in the way of learning and advising that “students need to believe in themselves and know that hard work does in fact pay off.”
Her love for science has been present ever since she was a young child through loving animals and being outdoors. “I was always the little girl that picked up nightcrawlers and spiders. I’ve always wanted to know how things work,” she said. She said she also loves plants and anything that involves life and science.
To students who may feel lost or who don’t know what to do with their lives after high school, “I would suggest you find someone that you can seek advice from that is older and more experienced,” she said. “Never discount an idea. If you have a dream, go with your dream, do what makes YOU happy. Not something that someone else tells you to do; do what makes YOU as your own individual self happy.”
As for her students, “I truly do care about my kids, and I know they have struggles. I have kids who I know don’t believe in themselves. I know kids who get bullied, and I tend to root for those who feel unseen, those who don’t believe in themselves,” she said.
“You could be the best kid in the world, and you go through life and do your thing. Well, nobody picks on you, but nobody notices you, either. That’s when you feel unseen. I want every student to feel seen.”
One quote Point wanted to share with everyone is that “You must learn to live and be kind and respect everything in the world in which we inhabit.”
