Everyone knows a teacher who has a unique passion for something that is a bit out of the ordinary. At Fuquay Varina High School, these interests bring a sense of personality to the classroom, allowing students to further engage and interact with their teachers.
For example, math teacher Valerie Camut’s room is a Disney lovers’ dream, with loads of magical Disney posters, stuffed animals, signs, and more displayed everywhere. The theme makes the room more colorful and lively, and its uniqueness brings a whole different personality to the class.
“I think it makes it more fun. Every day you go into a class, and it’s not just the same boring class,” said junior Perle Fwamini.
Spanish teacher Raquel Ferreyra’s room shows off her love for alpacas with quite a collection of the fluffy creatures hanging out all over the classroom.
A student gifted Ferreyra an alpaca a few years ago, and she kept it on her desk. As students saw the alpaca decorations, they decided to gift even more alpaca decor. Ever since, the collection has only grown with many students gifting all kinds of alpaca statues, stuffed animals, mugs, and much more.
Alpacas typically live in the mountains of South America, which is fitting, given that Ferreyra’s room is decorated to represent Hispanic culture. The adorable animals add even more of a cultural touch while also being a great conversation starter.
“Her room is really cozy and welcoming. Ms. Ferreyra is great, and her room reflects her personality because she loves alpacas. They represent more than just a cultural meaning because they are close to her heart, ” said junior Ciara George.
As shown through the classrooms of Camut and Ferreyra, teachers’ unique interests not only create a more open and inviting atmosphere in their classrooms which makes learning more lively, but they also allow students to get to know their teachers on a much more personal level.
By sharing their passions, teachers encourage curiosity and creativity among students and show them that the classroom is not just a place for learning, it is also a safe space for you to be yourself.
