TEACHER FEATURE

Mrs. Ritter-Garcia

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What brought you to WYWLA?

 I first came to WYWLA just as a substitute teacher over a year ago, and have tried looking for any opportunity to come back ever since!

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

I have loved working at WYWLA! The encouragement between staff, friendships between students, and work ethic/academic rigor are unmatched by any school I have worked at before. WYWLA has a strong community of leaders who encourage each other on every level! 

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

To be cringe is to be free. As long as you are not hurting anyone or anything, be yourself. If other people cringe at something you enjoy, keep enjoying it!

Where did you grow up?  What were you like as a kid? Favorite subject growing up?  Hobbies?

I grew up on a farm in Tigerton, Wisconsin where I spent most of my childhood outside in the woods. 

My favorite subject in school was English, even though I focus on science now! I was very involved in theatre growing up. I have been in 20+ productions, musicals, and plays, and I was even a student director once. 

What is one fun fact about you?  

I do not have a sense of smell, and I have never had one. I can only smell maybe a handful of things, and that’s if they are really strong and in my face!

What college did you graduate from?  What was your Major?

I graduated with an associate's degree from North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. My concentration was in the Bible and Theology. 

I am currently attending NC Agricultural and Technical State University, with the plan to graduate in Fall 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Agriculture Education. 

What music do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home?  What type of music do you listen to?  Favorite artists/bands?  Favorite songs?

On the way to work, I typically listen to some lo-fi music. On the way home I listen to the “Dear John and Hank” podcast. 

The top artists I listen to are Noah Kahan, Lawrence, Couch, Birdtalker, and Mipso. My go-to song right now is the Vienna cover by Couch. 

Are you a cold weather or warm weather person? What is your dream vacation?

Cold, cold, cold weather! 

My dream vacation would be taking a camper van around Iceland and hiking everywhere! 

Favorite author?  Book?  Genre of music?

My favorite author is Neal Shusterman, my favorite book is Midnight Library, and I enjoy listening to dystopian music.