TEACHER FEATURE

Ms. Lightfoot, 

Assistant Principal Intern

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What brought you to WYWLA?

In 2024, I began the Master of School Administration program at North Carolina Central University. This two-year program includes a second-year internship in which graduate students are placed at a school of their choice. After spending 14 years teaching and leading at the elementary level, I was eager to broaden my experience by exploring the middle school, high school, and early college environments. I was drawn to interning at WYWLA because of its Leadership Magnet theme and the shared commitment to excellence demonstrated by students, staff, and the community. Additionally, I sought a principal mentor who fosters dynamic teaching and learning experiences and would support my growth as an instructional leader.

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far? 

I have truly enjoyed my time at WYWLA; it is an exceptionally unique school. The teachers are dedicated, passionate, and caring, and the students are driven, resilient, and exemplary leaders. I am consistently impressed by the level of focus the girls demonstrate during instruction and the pride they take in their work. At WYWLA, students genuinely take ownership of their learning and actively exercise learner agency.

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

I consistently emphasize to students the importance of making quality decisions. We make countless decisions each day, and the choices we make today directly influence our lives tomorrow. At times, making quality decisions can be challenging, especially when doing so requires sacrificing immediate wants in favor of long-term needs. Ultimately, your future self will thank you for those choices.

What was your middle school/ high school experience like? 

I attended The Brooklyn School for Global Studies for both middle and high school. Attending school in New York City was an enriching experience, as it allowed me to meet students from diverse neighborhoods and build lasting friendships. Academically, the coursework was rigorous, and I often had to make thoughtful decisions about whether to study after school or spend time with friends. Education was very important to me, and I took great pride in doing well because academic excellence was a core part of my identity.

I vividly remember earning my first C in a class during 11th grade. I was deeply disappointed and remember crying because I felt I had fallen short of my own expectations. When I shared this with my classmates, they laughed and said, “We get C’s all the time!” In that moment, I did not find it funny, as I held myself to very high standards. However, it was also a pivotal learning experience. I came to understand that making mistakes, getting things wrong, and experiencing setbacks are all part of the learning process. No one is born an expert; excellence requires risk-taking, courage, resilience, and the understanding that not earning the grade you hoped for does not define failure.

Rather than allowing that experience to discourage me, I remained committed to working hard and ultimately graduated at the top of my class. My perseverance and quality decision-making earned me a four-year, full academic scholarship to Slippery Rock University, where I pursued my goal of becoming a teacher.

What is one fun fact about you?  

I have always loved the arts. Growing up, I performed in plays and musicals, was a member of a dance team, and performed ballet, hip-hop, tap, and African boot dance. I also played the steel drums, enjoyed painting, and competed as an all-star double dutcher. Because of my creative background, I initially planned to attend college to major in fashion and design.

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in K–8 Mathematics and Science. I am currently completing my second master’s degree in School Administration at North Carolina Central University.

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?

On my way to work, I enjoy listening to audiobooks through Libby. Some of my favorites include A New Earth and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer, and The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. I also enjoy listening to affirmation music by Toni Jones. My favorite affirmation song is “Indamornin” from her Me vs. Every Me: Affirmations of Self-Love album.

In addition to affirmation music, I enjoy listening to ’90s R&B. My favorite artist is Brandy, and my favorite song is “Top of the World.”

What was your first teen idol crush?

I loved the group B2K! I had a crush on Lil Fizz and enjoyed the R&B group’s music.

Favorite author? Book? Genre?

My favorite book is The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. The book emphasizes the importance of owning your mornings as a way to elevate all aspects of your life. My preferred genre is nonfiction, as I enjoy learning practical strategies to positively improve my life and intentionally cultivate joy. 

Mrs. Ruiz,

Academically/Intellectually Gifted Teacher

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What brought you to WYWLA?

I was excited to work in an all-girls school!  I love WYWLA’s commitment to ensuring that all students have an opportunity to grow into leaders within their communities.  

I enjoy teaching Academically and Intellectually Gifted students, and I enjoy supporting the social emotional needs of the students at WYWLA.  We are all unique individuals.  Since our school is smaller than most middle schools and high schools, I feel that I am better able to support students, as different needs arise. 

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

I love it here!  It is wonderful to see the students academically, emotionally, and socially growing.  The teachers at WYWLA truly care about their students, and this is apparent to me on a daily basis.

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

Believe in yourself!  You can achieve anything, when you commit yourself to goals reflective of your unique interests.  Success is like climbing a mountain.  Think of it as one step at a time and you will be thrilled with your accomplishments!

What was your middle school/ high school experience like? 

I struggled in both middle school and high school because I often felt like I did not fit in.  While I did not enjoy these experiences, they did mold me into the person I am today.  I think they provided me with unique insights into the feelings of not fitting in, and I can now use these past experiences to help students at WYWLA believe in themselves, when they are struggling.

What is one fun fact about you?  

In college, I was an exchange student in Madrid, Spain!  It was an amazing experience!!

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

My undergraduate degree is from Bowling Green State University and it is in Education.  I have a Master’s degree in Library Science from Kent State University!

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?

Lately, I have been listening to a musician named Raye!  She has her roots in jazz but has gravitated towards R&B/pop.  I like to go to live concerts, and I attend several each year.  I also love to listen to Broadway musicals!

What was your first teen idol crush?

Ok…This one will give my age away, but it was Bruce Springsteen!!!

Favorite author? Book? Genre?

I love mysteries, and my favorite author is Ruth Ware!  She is a British author and a very skilled writer.  When I read one of her mysteries, I am truly left guessing who the bad person is.  Any character in her book could ultimately be the person committing the crimes!