Let’s catch up with Ms. Sharpe, Spanish Teacher and see how she transitioned as a Freshman in 2014 to Teacher in 2024 at Southern Lee.
How long have your taught at Southern Lee High School?
“I’ve been at SLHS for about 6 months but I spent 4 years as a Cavalier. I graduated in 2018”
What’s a benefit of teaching where you once roamed the halls as a student?
“I already have a relationship with co-workers, some of who were actually my teachers like Mrs. Nooning and Ms. Bivans.”
If you were back at SLHS, what staff members would you want as your Science lab partner?
“Ms. Young and Ms. Wibalda”
What made you choose the college you attended?
“I went to UNC Wilmington because they have a great education department and Wilmington is so beautiful.”
Is this your first teaching job?
“No. After I graduated from UNCW, I taught Spanish at a middle school in Virginia and also at Pinecrest in Moore County.”
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?
“When I took Mrs. Adams’ Spanish class. I goal was to become a teacher but I didn’t thrive in the core subjects. I quickly found learning a new language came easy to me. You never know how taking a new class in high school can change your career plan.”
Where have you traveled to practice your craft?
“I travel to El Salvador every year to visit my boyfriend’s family. I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain for a summer in college. Being able to visit, I can absorb the culture and language with first-hand experience. You can’t taste authentic Hispanic food with a textbook or an app.”
What advice would you give the parent of a freshman?
“Have them get involved in a club, team or sport. It’s good to stay busy with the right things.”
What’s your schedule like after 3:00 PM?
“In my free time, I go to the gym daily which helps me destress. I also cook for myself almost every night”
When you don’t want to cook, what’s your go to place?
“Chicken at Wing Stop or Chick-Fil-A”
Do you run and hide or greet with a smile when you see your students around town?
“I run to smile and greet them”
What’s the most expensive mistake you’ve ever made ?
“Going straight to a 4-year university. I wish I had gone to CCCC then transferred for my last 2 years. It would have saved me SOOO much money.”
Ms. Sharpe lives in the Cavalier Pod. If you have any questions about UNC-W or the path to become a teacher, stop by and talk to her (In English or Spanish). And watch out, there may be a Freshman reading this now who'll return as a teacher in 2034!