Mr. Kay, 7th Grade ELA Teacher

Story by Nandini W. 

“When I was growing up, my father was an archeologist, traveling worldwide and collecting fossils early on. Some of my best memories are of when my dad would take me out into the field to archeological digs. Wyoming was my first site with my father, but his job has taken me to museums around the world. When I was a second grader, a real highlight was that he was granted a Sabbatical to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. Some of my most formative experiences growing up took place roaming the back hallways of the museum and having access to unbelievable artifacts. Just setting up camp, learning how to tie a lure onto a fishing rod, and building things are special to me, and I would go to basketball games with him. Those were exceptional times, and now I am taking my fourth grader, Emma, to her first basketball game.

I find wisdom in everyone I am around. I always talk to my father and hear many incredible people at school. The person from whom I drew many lessons was my mom. When I was in college and middle school, she battled cancer. She inspired me because she was born in poverty, fought through college, and became a successful realtor. I learned from her that there are so many opportunities when you travel to learn about different cultures and opportunities. Her saying, which is what I am saying now with my students, was that you should be able to walk into any room in the world and dignify people. I am really about mindfulness. She always used to say I focus on my physical attributes, but you neglect to train my mind.” Generally, I try to tune out the noise to strengthen my mind. ”