TEACHER FEATURE

Teacher Feature is a segment that interviews and shares tidbits about a WYWLA staff member every month.

Ms. Bradshaw

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What brought you to WYWLA?

I have actually wanted to work at WYWLA for a very long time! I applied when the school first opened but was a very young teacher at the time. I am a huge proponent of same sex education as I went to Meredith College. I have always looked but there has never been an opening! I was so excited when Mrs. Benson contacted me to tell me there was an opening here! I immediately reached out and applied!

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?

My impression of WYWLA thus far has been that this is a school full of spectacular young women who are going to make a huge impact on the world. The young ladies impress me every day with their willingness to make change and to make the world a better place. WYWLA offers a place where your voice as a woman can be heard and where women’s accomplishments are put at the forefront of your learning! It is such a special place and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

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

One piece of advice that I try to instill in my students is to know your value and your worth. Your voice matters. Your thoughts matter. Your effort matters. Your person matters. Never lower your standards and never forget the power that you hold. Anyone who asks you to be less than who you are is not someone who you need in your inner circle. I often tell students that “You are creme brulee and not to let people treat you like you are vanilla pudding. Creme brulee is special and takes effort and care. It has more going on beneath the surface. It isn’t for everyone. Vanilla pudding is for everyone and doesn’t require as much effort or care. You are creme brulee. You deserve effort, care, and people who see beneath the surface.”

What was your middle school/ high school experience like? What is one way a teacher has influenced you?

I was very studious and involved in middle and high school. I was top 5 in my graduating class, I was in 7 clubs, directed the school plays, played golf, and was the scorekeeper for the basketball teams. I think that has influenced me as a teacher because I truly understand being a student who feels like she has to do everything and be perfect to be worthy. I try to lessen that burden on students where I can and show them that they are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. I also try to show students that they are worthy of greatness as they are. You can be well-rounded and take care of yourself. You can be involved without sacrificing your well-being. You can care deeply and sometimes need to take a minute and breathe. Success comes from hard work but it also comes from asking for help when you need it.

What is one fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is that I have been to five different countries– Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Spain!

Where did you graduate from college? Major?

I graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics.

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

I listen to an array of different music. In the mornings, I tend to listen to my hip hop mix or to some early 2000s pop punk or emo. On the way home, it tends to be more pop! I am a huge Taylor Swift fan!! Ask me about the Eras Tour any time!! I also love Broadway musicals! It's really an eclectic mix. If it helps, my first concert was Celine Dion. My last concert was Linkin Park… I think. I also saw Paramore from the front row before they were big back in 2004.

What was your first teen idol crush?

Oh, my gosh! LEONARDO DICAPRIO. But like 90s Leo… not the older Leo. He was such a heartthrob!!

Favorite author? Book? Genre?

I read a lot of books from a lot of genres! I do love a contemporary romance but I also love a good fantasy series. I also enjoy some more serious reads! In 2024, I read 36 books. Last year, I read 40 books. I love the Hunger Games series. I love anything by Sarah J. Maas. I loved the Fourth Wing!

Ms. Buckner

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What brought you to WYWLA?

WYWLA is my first counseling position. What made it an easy "yes" for me was the warm and intentional welcome I received from staff during my interview. Everyone made it clear that we are family here and since day one that has never changed.

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?

We are AMAZING! We show leadership in our everyday activities and simultaneously make room for growth along the way. WYWLA is definitely a special place for all that enter our doors.

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

Be yourself, let no one tell you who you are supposed to be and who you cannot be!

What was your middle school/ high school experience like? What is one way a teacher has influenced you?

Middle school was a doozy, like many of our middle school students I too had my own challenges figuring out who I am and what I like. Thankfully the adults in my life were VERY patient with me and allowed me to fail and learn to succeed. My middle school math teacher, Mr. Roberts inspired me to see that being defiant got me nowhere and that I am always teachable. He allowed me to be myself and corrected me when I needed guidance. High school on the other hand, was such an amazing experience! I began to be a lot more confident and easy to talk to. I built long lasting relationships and was able to enjoy all 4 years of high school.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have a great photographic memory!

Where did you graduate from college? Major?

I earned a bachelor's degree in English from Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina, and earned a master's degree of Education in School Counseling from Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona

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

It honestly depends on the day and can range from gospel to R&B! My favorite artist at the moment is Megan Thee Stallion. My favorite song at the moment is Safe by Cardi B featuring Kehlani.