“I have loved math since I was a kid. I think math is like a game of hide and seek—there’s always something new to uncover and a hidden solution waiting to be found. It’s very interesting to be able to discover a whole new theory every time I delve deeper” said Ms. Xuan Liang also known as Ms. Kat, the newest addition to the math department at Academy for Young Writers.
Kats passion for teaching stems from her youth, in her pursuit of carrying out her mothers dream in becoming a teacher. Before she was born, her mother was in the midst of a steadfast pursuit to become a teacher. She unfortunately had to give up on her dreams to raise Kat, and ensure that her daughter would succeed where she could not.
“She always told me how kids have the most potential, and her belief in that has inspired me to dedicate myself to education and helping students realize their capabilities.”
But carrying on her mothers dream wasn’t the sole reason why she decided to become a teacher,
“The main reason I decided to go with teaching is because I want each student to get the opportunity to love math. I love math but most people hate it, so I want others to develop a passion for it too,”
Kat teaches 7th and 8th grade math, and pre-calculus to 11th and 12th grade so she tends to feel overwhelmed at times. As a new graduate of Texas Christian University, Kat is starting her career as a teacher here at our school.
“I think it’s going pretty good so far. I got a few tough kids, but everything else is alright,” commented Ms. Kat in her first few months of teaching.
She spent 4 years studying at college for her bachelors degree, so Kat is no stranger to managing her work load, noting that both being a teacher and studying to become one can also be tough at times. She’s always been the type of person to stay to themselves, especially during quarantine, but started opening up more socially after the lockdown creating the person she is today.
Between balancing work and students, Kat enjoys dancing, singing, playing video games, and going for walks around the city since it aids in decompressing and clearing her mind.
“I would definitely encourage students to attend college… More jobs require a person to have at least a bachelor’s degree.”
Kat has also expressed satisfaction in having a supportive environment that comes with teaching in our school community.
“[Being a teacher] it’s got it’s perks and it’s stressful sometimes, but I have a lot of support from my coworkers, the other teachers, and some of my students.”
Knowing that she always has support on all sides in our community has aided in Kat becoming more comfortable in teaching various students at our school.
