High School Doesn’t Always Last Just Four Years

St. Agnes’ campus at 3901 Fannin Street opened Feb. 12, 1906. (Photo: St. Agnes archives) 

St. Agnes has a long and rich history, dating back to 1906. There are many alumni events annually which give old classmates a way to catch up on some of the best years of their lives. But for some of these alumni, high school lasts a bit longer. Many students come back to teach at St. Agnes Academy. Today I am sitting with Dr. Nadia Lara, graduate of the Class of 2008, to ask her some questions on what it is like to be back.

What class do you teach?

I teach Chemistry 1 and AP Physics 1.

Why did you come back to teach at St. Agnes?

I loved my time here. Before, I visited as an alum. I love the people and the community. Coming back to St. Agnes felt like coming back home.

What was your favorite memory/event from when you attended St. Agnes?

It was senior year, on Valentine’s Day, and we had free dress. My friend and I were walking back from band. We realized that there were little things that day that made us realize it was Veritas Vacation day {a fun-filled surprise day every year when all classes are canceled and there are fun activities}. We got super exited and laughed when we heard others stressing out about tests or quizzes that morning, because we knew they would be cancelled!

A look at St. Agnes Academy today. (Photo: Abigail Standish) 

What do you want your students to know about you?

That I love what I do, I love working with them and I know that St. Agnes can be hard so they shouldn’t be afraid to come to me with anything, whether it be personal or academic.

What do you most look forward to experiencing this year?

Working with other teachers. A lot of these teachers taught me, so to work with them and to grow in this craft is really amazing. I am always learning from them.

What lasting impact or lesson do you want your students to know about the world?

For me, as a science teacher and a scientist, I want them to know that they should take something away from class. I want them to know about how and why the world works a certain way. For example vaccines, water and other things because they will eventually go to vote as citizens and I want them to be informed. What we do affects the world. I want them to be able to look at an argument and challenge themselves and others, to “find the truth.” {At this point I mentioned that that last part was very “Veritas,” the school motto.} Yes, exactly, and Veritas applies to the sciences just as much as it applies to a history lesson or a debate tournament.

Anything else? Embarrassing moments, friendship, experiences?

I still do keep up with friends. My best friend from St. Agnes was my maid of honor. A lot of my friends from St. Agnes are getting married too, so it’s nice to see invites and reminisce.”

My most embarrassing moment . . . as a freshman, I sent an email to the entire school and got in trouble with dean of students. It was on accident, of course, and it was funny because it was really early in the school year so I had no idea what I was doing.

Dr. Lara’s words made me realize that in 10 years, I will look back at my life at St. Agnes. And although hopefully I won’t do anything like accidentally sending an email to the entire school (those Fujitsu laptops can get really confusing), I do look forward to my next years here with an open mind and, of course, Veritas.