Better Together is a feature that showcases students  and staff members who make each better through leadership practices.

Ms. Bradshaw & Mrs. Benson 

NOVEMBER BETTER TOGETHER 

Two math teachers continue their journey here at WYWLA, supporting and uplifting each other through the process. Let's hear their story...

I met Mrs. Benson in 2023 at Smithfield Selma Senior High School where we worked in the math department together. Mrs. Benson always had a personality that I appreciated. One afternoon, she and I and some of our colleagues started sharing stories, and she gave me a small trinket to show that she appreciated my story. After coming here, she and I have bonded over shared experiences and our love of animals! As a person, I would describe Mrs. Benson as honest, funny, hard-working, and someone who has immense strength of character. As a friend, I would say all of the same things, but would add that she has an immense capacity to show up for those she loves and is fiercely protective of the people that mean the most to her. She is also incredibly fun to spend time with! Mrs. Benson and I uplift each other by offering each other a listening ear, a crying shoulder, and lots of empathy. She always encourages me and offers me sage advice. She is thoughtful and always is there when I need a minute. She celebrates with me, commiserates with me, and lends a helping hand when I need her! I think teaching has been a bonding agent for us! We both love our students and want to make sure that we are doing what is best to support them! We often run ideas by each other and ask for advice if we are struggling with how to approach something. I think leaning on each other has brought us closer. Mrs. Benson and I have many similarities. We love to talk. We love our animals. We love to joke and laugh. We have a similar educational philosophy and are people who genuinely care about the people we love! We also love a good math pun!

-Ms. Bradshaw, High School Math teacher

We met in August 2023. Ms. Bradshaw was our school's math coach, and through our love of math and cats, we began a friendship. Ms. Bradshaw is one of the sweetest and kindest people I know.  If she can help in any way - she will!  She is incredibly thoughtful and sincere.  Her ability to reach students and connect with them is something I admire, along with her zest and passion for working with young people. Ms. Bradshaw is definitely my "teacher bestie" - she is always supportive and encouraging - I've confided in her professionally & personally and truly appreciate her friendship.  Teaching together makes me a better teacher!   We have a mutually supportive relationship, and we can share prior teaching experiences, which in turn allows for a deeper understanding of each other's strengths and perspectives. We both love all things math and cats!  We have discovered we are both readers, and I plan to get many book recommendations from her!

-Mrs. Benson, High School Math teacher

Shakirat Bello & 

Bethakshi Venkatesan

NOVEMBER BETTER TOGETHER 

Two 9th graders continue their friendship with each other as they begin the high school journey at WYWLA, here is their story...  

Bethakshi and I originally met in 6th grade because of mutual friends. We sat at the same lunch table, but we did not talk very much. We got closer this last year by being in the same friend group. We bonded over shared interests and slowly began to call and text each other more. Bethakshi is a very kind and reliable person. Whenever I have something on my mind, she is the first person I talk to. She is basically my manager; Without her, I would get nothing done. We also talk to each other about everything, whether it is ranting or just sharing a victory. We go to each other's houses pretty often and now we carpool together after school on Thursdays. Usually we badly dance to K-pop or just enjoy each other's company when we hang out. We are both Kasteye fans and are also really into acting. I really appreciate Bethakshi as a friend.

-Shakirat Bello, 9th grade

Shakirat and I first met in 6th grade. We were a part of the same friend group, although we did not talk to each other much. Soon after, Shakirat and I parted ways into different groups. Then, at the start of 7th grade, a friend introduced me to a group of amazingly "weird" people, and little did younger me know they would become a tremendous part of my life and, you guessed it, Shakirat was also in the group! We started out as acquaintances and talked occasionally, but as the year went by we became closer. We started having playful banter and teasing whilst also encouraging each other. We finally got close enough to confide in each other. As a person, Shakirat is a bright presence, immediately lighting up the room when she talks. She is a helpful person, and she supports everyone in their dreams and interests. As a friend she is reliable, she does not judge you, she knows what to say when you need it. She is overall a one-of-a-kind friend to have. I listen to Shakirat's shenanigans, provide amazing advice, knock some sense into her when she needs it, and make sure she finishes her work. Shakirat helps me by making sure I am included,and not feeling lonely. She listens to me when I need moral support. We both encourage each other by giving compliments, and words of encouragement or affirmation. When we hang out, we have the time of our lives, we usually talk, dance, and sing together; it is always a blast. Now we carpool every Thursday for drama club so we get to hang out more. We are both yappers and listen to each other, especially during our extensive nighttime calls. We both have the same humor and cannot stop laughing. We both love music and theater. And have picked the same clubs to be a part of this year. We both love to tease our friends to see their reactions. Overall, she is a vital part of my life.

-Bethakshi Venkatesan, 9th grade