When some graduate high school, they know they never want to go back. Others want to come back and make an impact on students as they once were in their shoes. When a teacher begins working in a high school, memories from their teenage years may come rushing back and of course, some comparison occurs thinking about how things have changed or remain ever the same.
English teacher, Mr. James Hamner, went to school across the country in California at Los Altos High School from 1982-85. During Hamner’s high school career, students had the freedom of an open campus during lunch at Los Altos.
“We went out for lunch everyday,” Hamner said. “Burger King and Togos.”
US History teacher, Mr. Tony Ripa, went to Papillion LaVista High School from 201l-15. Ripa, PLHS alum, talks about his high school lunch experience as well.
“Same as we have today at PLHS,” Ripa said, “except we had Arby’s and Godfathers.”
Homework is something most students dread. Realizing, though, how much our teachers had during their high school years puts into perspective how much easier we have it now.
“Somewhere between 1-3 hours of homework a night,” Hamner said.
Depending on what classes you are in, your amount of homework varies. Some students may have a couple hours of homework a night or more while other students may have little to none.
“Junior and senior year I had 2-3 hours of homework a night,” Ripa said. “I was in AP classes.”
After hearing Hamner and Ripa’s responses, we can be thankful that the majority of the time we do not have that much homework at night.
As times have changed, great advances in technology have occurred, including the use of smartphones. Many teachers did not have smartphones and social media when they were in high school. People often wonder if times were better then or better now when it comes to the subject of phones.
“Not better now, not better for students and not better for teachers,” Hamner said. “Phones are a general scourge in scholastic intentions.”
This year due to the growing concern from many about phones being a distraction, a phone policy was implemented.
“Probably better when I was in high school,” Ripa said. “This year kids are doing a better job with the phone policy.”
Another question is in regards to the tolerance of disrespect from students in today’s society.
“Generally way more disrespectful now,” Hamner said. “Tolerating disrespect is absurd… Buffoonery.”
Although most students are respectful to their authority figures, unfortunately, there will always be disrespect from some, but we can together change how much is tolerated and allowed.
“Kids are always the same,” Ripa said.
High school is not only academics. High school is the perfect time to get involved in other activities and try new things!
Both Hamner and Ripa are very well rounded individuals and were active students in their school. Hamner not only has musical talent, but athletic ability, as well.
“State champion tennis team,” Hamner said. “Theater, speech and debate, and music on the side.”
Ripa also participated in many activities in sports and broadcasting.
“Baseball and tennis,” Ripa said. “Also, I was in Monarch broadcasting, which is now PLV Media.”
Students generally connect with a teacher or two, while there may be some that are difficult to endure.
Both Hamner and Ripa liked their teachers and Ripa noted something unique about our high school since he is a Monarch alum.
“I really liked my teachers,” Ripa said. “So many of the same teachers are here from when I was a student and I always liked them. It is cool to be able to work alongside them now.”
Think about a teacher that has made an impact on you. A few years down the road you could be working alongside them!
High school has its ups and downs, challenges and successes. After talking with Mr. Hamner and Mr. Ripa, we can see that high school really isn’t all that different. As times will always be changing, so will your high school experience.