Taking on a task to deal with a class of 60 students for an hour every day is a choice that most people would probably not take. But one dedicated woman challenged that idea. With heavy motivation and a tender heart, Ms. Hayley Thompson defied expectations with an open mind and was rewarded with students with pure smiles and open arms.
Not having specific expectations for the school year, Thompson volunteered to be the advisor for the United Student Body (USB) class, on top of being the study skills and Renaissance teacher, a task requiring commitment and sacrifice. From the beginning, although she was a completely new face to students, Thompson showed nothing but pure love and respect to the Bulldogs.
“When I first saw her, I thought she would be really nice, fun, and understanding to be around,” USB member Emma Egbalic (9) said.
Despite this year being Thompson’s first at Ayala, she is not new to the world of teaching. Her first experience dates back to her teenage years at 13 years old. Thompson taught dance classes to kids of different ages, which sparked her interest in teaching. In her later years, she had other jobs, including teaching children with special needs and children in other countries. Her heart has been laid out for her passion and her desire to bring satisfaction to students.
“I feel like I’ve always found myself in roles like that, where I’m leading or helping or teaching people,” Thompson said.
It is a well-known fact that being a teacher is never an easy job. From grading tests to checking homework, the list of the tasks that teachers endure is endless. Only a month into the school year, yet there have been many complications and hardships that Thompson has faced.
“Coming in, I know I’m in charge of activities, but the details aren’t always super clear, so figuring it all out has been difficult. I kind of find out about things that I’m in charge of at the last minute, and then I have to hustle to try to make it happen. But it’s a learning curve,” Thompson said.
The USB class has nothing but compliments for Thompson. It is obvious that each and every student shows much respect for her, finding something positive in everything she does.
“I think that she’s trying to get the people in USB to be more responsible for their own things, and it’s making an impact on their lives,” USB member Dylan Chang (10) said.
Being a leader herself, even students recognize how fit Thompson is for the role of USB advisor.
“She is a very good leader who knows the idea of what to do when things are going downhill, and how to lift up our moods when things go wrong,” Egbalic said. “Especially because we’re a class of 60 students, I think she’s handling the stress very well, especially with all her activities outside of school.”
Students from her class truly believe that Thompson radiates positive energy and true skills, making them excited for a new year with their new advisor by their side.
“I’m thankful that they welcomed me in with open arms,” Thompson said. “Without their help, I would be even more behind. They are a good group of kids that are really highly motivated, and it’s been fun to watch.”
As the school year is only getting started, everyone is eagerly waiting to see what new things will arise with a new advisor in command. But based on the positivity that has been received from the students, there is without a doubt that Thompson will continue to shine as a role model for many students.
