About Ms. Mayra

Getting to Know Ms. Mayra:

Hello! My name is Meredith Mayra (that's me in the picture above), and I have the privilege of working with all of you in AP English Language and Composition here at Mankato West High School. I am not a Minnesota native, but I absolutely love living in Mankato, Minnesota. Here's how it all happened...

I went to high school in Texas (just north of Houston). Having lived in the midwest and northeast, the hot and surprisingly humid weather was not something I particularly enjoyed nor did I like only have two seasons: summer and (what would in most cases be considered) spring. When I was given the opportunity to swim at the University of Minnesota, I took it! Not only was I able to continue my swimming career as a Golden Gopher, but I also was able to experience actual seasons on a campus I loved.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Secondary English Education, I again decided on a change of scenery and went East where I spent one year teaching at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine. While the east coast was wonderful, I realized that I missed Minnesota and sought out another opportunity to return to the midwest.

Thankfully, the opportunity arrived here at Mankato West High School. I will be starting my 10th year of teaching at West during the 2020-2021 school year and my 7th year teaching AP English Language and Composition. I also work with the West Girls Swim Team as the assistant coach (10 years) and am the Yearbook Adviser (6 years). I look forward to many more years to come here at West.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family, including my husband, our little Maren (who turned two this past spring) and our adorable pups (Bella and Gus); traveling, especially the kind that involves camping, hiking, kayaking, and history; and reading--I am always on the hunt for a good book and even got married in a library!

I look forward to getting to know all of you as you get to know more about me!

:) Ms. Mayra