Laura Aaron Geffert

What is your current role and what are your primary responsibilities?

I currently am a teacher and teach 6th grade bilingual students math and science. I also teach AVID Excel. The primary responsibility is instruction, of course, but I also am in charge of our yearbook and our lesson planning. 

What skills from your time at SPHS have been most valuable to you?

I would say probably the Spanish I learned has been the most valuable throughout the years. I also learned how to sew at SPHS, and have had a business making children’s clothing for years, which I never would have had if I didn’t initially gain an interest in sewing from my class at SPHS.

How did your career path evolve?

I have had so many career pathways! I managed a restaurant for years then worked in a law firm when I moved to Texas. I had a few storefronts and online businesses, but I landed in teaching once my children were in school and I realized I want to go with them! 

What advice would you give your past self about career planning?  about life planning?

As far as life planning, I would say be sure you travel and see as much as you can before you get married and have children. I wish I had done more of that! For career planning, if you aren’t sure what interests you, I would suggest trying new things often until something grabs your attention. When you figure out what you like to do, you will be able to know what career aligns with those interests. You won’t be happy in a career you don’t enjoy, so don’t pick one based off someone else’s opinion. 

Who was your favorite teacher and why (and which class did they teach)?

Mr Clark- he taught physics. I think he went to Furman? I just remembered he sparked my interests in physics and would go on tangents about things that kept our attention and I find myself doing that quite often as teacher now!  

What extracurriculars did you participate in and how did that shape your time at SPHS?

I played basketball and golf at SPHS. I enjoyed doing both and made so many great friends in doing so.

What advice would you give students to maximize their high school experience?

Talk to people you’ve never met. Participate in lots of things, but not TOO many (no one can do EVERYTHING!) Enjoy your time there because when you leave, the adult world is less kind. 

What are you most proud of since graduating from SP?

It may sound cheesy, but my kids. I have three, they’re 13, almost 12, and 9, and they are growing up to be kind and wonderful little people. I’m proud of them and proud I’ve been able to manage that so far!

What are your favorite memories from your time at SPHS?

The powder puff games, basketball games, football games, just being able to be around my friends! I don’t really have any bad memories from SPHS. It was a great time.

What did you love about being a student at SP?

We were a close-knit class, I’d say. Most everyone got along pretty well. There were lots of opportunities for what you wanted to learn or participate in.