Page 13 - Menlo Magazine: Winter 2018

Arif Virani ’04
Sixth Grade History Teacher
I’ve always been drawn
to this profession by
the relationships and connections that you build, both with students and colleagues. I especially love middle school because you’re helping kids discover who they are and what they believe in. I don’t want to push them in any particular direction ever, but I do love facilitating that deeper understanding of themselves and the world that we live
in. And middle school kids
are hilarious and kooky, and
I love that there is never a
boring day or a dull moment in this profession. I love the freedom and autonomy that we have as educators at Menlo to deliver content and build skills in our students. We don’t have anyone hovering over our shoulder telling us what to do, and as long we’re being professional and getting the job done, then I think this is a great system. We’re also lucky to have talented and motivated students who are eager to jump into activities and ex their intellectual “muscles.”
Marisa LaValette
Middle School Spanish Teacher and Community Service Learning Coordinator
I attended an independent school myself as a child. It wasn’t until the very end of high school that I realized the “bubble” I lived in was the exception and not the norm. Therefore,
it’s important for me to serve as an educator in this same
environment who helps kids make connections with those beyond the bubble and helps them understand that Menlo life is unusual for most of the world’s citizens.
I am passionate about teaching empathy and perspective, and they are the reasons why I teach language and lead Menlo’s community service program. I hope to help kids learn about other people’s perspectives on life and that “our way” isn’t the only way or necessarily the best way. More recently, I am glad to teach yoga and meditation in the Middle School because we nd ourselves in a very stressful geographic location living a stressful lifestyle. These wellness and mindfulness practices are helping the kids to thrive.
MENLO MAGAZINE
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