TEACHER FEATURE

Mrs. Lowry, 

8th grade English Teacher

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What brought you to WYWLA? How long have you taught at WYWLA?

I have always wanted to be at WYWLA since the school opened, and in 2020, in the uncertainty of COVID, I found my opening and applied. Many teachers weren’t changing schools at that time, so I took a chance and applied. I know firsthand the advantages of an all-girls and women’s education, as I graduated from Meredith College for undergrad, and I think of WYWLA as the prequel to Meredith. One of my life’s goals is to educate girls and women, and my personal values align with WYWLA’s mission and vision. I am now in my sixth year of teaching at WYWLA and still love it!

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

How do I condense all of my Lowry Life Lessons into one lesson? Make sure you live a life you’re proud of, because you aren’t here to make others proud. Always make yourself proud first.

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

I always loved school and being with my friends in middle and high school. It was a safe space for me, and I looked up to my teachers. I carry a piece of each of them with me each day into the classroom (even the few I did not like, because I try not to be like them). I was President of our Future Teachers of America chapter in high school, so I got to go back to my middle school during the school day to observe and teach a lesson in Ms. Kariher’s 8th grade Language Arts class. I remember her class being so well planned, and everything was connected and cohesive. She made teaching look like a fun and rewarding career choice.

What is one fun fact about you?

I love animals more than most people, which is why students are used to hearing Frasier stories. Dogs are my favorite, but I also had a pet goat, bunny, and pony as a child. 

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I double-majored in Political Science and Sociology at Meredith College, and later earned my teaching licensure and Master’s in Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I almost didn’t become a teacher, but that’s a different story for a different day.

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 everything from the Rolling Stones to Beyoncé and everything in between! 

What was your first teen idol crush?

My first celebrity crush was in 2nd grade, and it was Donnie Wahlberg from New Kids on the Block!

Favorite author? Book? Genre?

I think it’s no surprise that I love books about history and historical fiction! 

Congratulations on obtaining a Fulbright scholarship! Tell us more about that!

I am taking an online course in Global Education until December. In December, I will find out where I’m going next summer for two to three weeks - Morocco, India, Ghana, who knows? I have also been invited to an Education Symposium in Washington, DC, in February with over a hundred Fulbright teachers and alumni from across the country. I can’t wait to be able to bring what I learn back to students and share more global perspectives in the classroom!

Ms. Avila, 

7th Grade Math Teacher

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What brought you to WYWLA?

I was actually Mrs. Cornwright’s student-teacher during my senior year of college at North Carolina State University! I came in every day to observe her classes and gradually took over teaching all of them as part of my training. Now, I’m officially the 7th grade math teacher for the students who helped me learn how to become a teacher!

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

WYWLA is the greatest school I could have ever imagined starting my teaching career at. Every single teacher and student has been so supportive of me during my first year, and I truly feel like I am a part of a family here. I also love that it’s an all-girls school. I keep thinking about how much I wish I had the chance to attend a school like this myself. Being at an all girls school creates such a unique, and empowering environment where students can build confidence, find their voices, and become a leader. Also, all of the support from the Owl families has been incredible. All of the parents are so involved and encouraging, which helps their Owl thrive even more. WYWLA doesn’t just prepare students academically. It builds leaders, and I am so lucky to be part of it.

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

As a math teacher, one piece of advice I always give my students is that they are in charge of their own success. 

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

Middle school was just a weird stage of life for me, as I think it is for most of us. It was when I really started to figure out my own interests, values, and opinions, and when I started finding my voice and what made me unique as an individual. It was also the time when I had some of my hardest experiences with friendships and the pressure to fit in. I often felt like I was still a kid in many ways, but also needed to start transitioning into more adult responsibilities.

High school was an overall amazing experience. I loved being involved in the school. I did JV cheerleading my freshman year, then varsity cheerleading for the next three years. I was the captain of the team for my senior year. At the same time, I took academics very seriously and made sure to stay organized and work hard for good grades. I also cared a lot about my social life and making sure I surrounded myself with positive, supportive friends.

One way a teacher has influenced me was when I was in 10th grade, my math teacher, Ms. G., changed my whole perspective on my math identity. Growing up, I really struggled in math and believed I just wasn’t a “math person.” I failed plenty of math tests, and convinced myself that I wasn’t capable. Ms. G. helped me realize that my ability wasn’t the problem. It was my effort. Once I decided to truly put in the work, I started to see results, and math became something I actually excelled in. That’s why I tell my students there’s no such thing as a “math person,” and that anyone can succeed if they’re willing to put in the effort.

What is one fun fact about you?  

One fun fact about me is… I have an extra bone in each of my feet. 

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I graduated from NC State! Go Pack! I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education with a concentration for Middle Grades 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?

At the moment, I pretty much listen to Sabrina Carpenter on repeat. When I am not listening to her, I listen to a lot of classic rock, pop, or alternative/indie. Some of my other favorite artists are Tame Impala, Sombr, Tyler the Creator, Electric Light Orchestra, and the Beatles. 

What was your first teen idol crush?

My first teen idol crush was Harry Styles from One Direction. 

Favorite author? Book? Genre?

I’m not going to lie, I do have to get better at reading… My favorite book was Alive by Piers Paul Read. I like non-fiction books.