Mathing with Miller

Written by: Nino Nguyen

Photos by: Mrs. Miller

Edited by: Madeleine Homer

As a teacher of 27 years, Mrs. Miller has made a significant impact on the T.A. Blakelock community since 2002. From teaching Grade 9 Math to Grade 12 Advanced Functions, she is both adored and respected by a multitude of students and teachers alike. 

Not being fond of essays, Mrs. Miller figured Math was her forte, finishing her undergraduate at Trent University before obtaining a concurrent Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Before Mrs. Miller became a teacher, she often thought about being in forensic science.

Mrs. Miller’s school day begins at 7:30 am, where she gets her day organized before teaching a full schedule and catching up with her colleagues at the end of the day. In her free time, she often reads, indulges in murder mystery shows, or spends time with her friends and family. She also likes walking her dog, Callie, a husky lab mix who Mrs. Miller describes as “a little nuts,” often expressing happiness at high volume.

Mrs. Miller enjoys many book genres such as biographies, autobiographies, books with happy endings, equity, and true crime, among others. “I will read books with substance in them,” she remarks. 

Additionally, as a boba-loving fan, Mrs. Miller’s favourite order is most green tea flavours with no ice or sugar, and popping boba that matches the flavour she chose. 

One memorable moment teaching at TAB was when the fire alarm had gone off during a snowstorm, forcing all classes outside in the freezing snow before finally being let into the gym. The puddles and sopping-wet clothes made for a funny memory: “There’s never a dull day in teaching. I don’t remember all of [my experiences], but there’s always something.”  

A thoughtful piece of advice Mrs. Miller has for graduating seniors is to choose the path that they see themselves going into, otherwise it won’t guarantee them happiness or success. “You have to be invested in where you’re going and what you’re doing, or you will not do it.” 

A final piece of advice and Mrs. Miller’s favourite quote is to remember, “It is what it is, and if anything, just be nice. You don’t have to like everybody, but you can at least be nice to them.”