By Jason Scheer
Raven, however, is not a teacher. Not yet anyway. Rather she is one of a handful of Baldwin Senior High School students who took part in the school's Senior Internship Program.
The program, which is sponsored by the business department, was designed as a way to give seniors the opportunity to experience their future careers before they graduate from high school. Students who participate in the program must volunteer to work 80 hours in the field of their choice.
For Woo, the choice was easy. "Even when I was little I wanted to be a teacher," Woo said.
Thus, while many of her fellow student's volunteered throughout the local community, Woo sought a position within the school itself. "I didn't want to go anywhere, this is what I wanted to do," she said.
Although she was certain that she wanted to be a teacher, Woo was unsure of what subject she wanted to teach. "I didn't know which field was right for me," she said.
Woo's relationship with one of her own teachers persuaded her to look into teaching Spanish. Leslie Wecksler, the ESL Foreign Language Department chair at the high school, was Woo's 10th-grade Spanish teacher.
Woo had heard of Wecksler through other students and felt that she was going to be just another teacher, but her impression changed on the first day of class. "Once she started teaching I thought she was greatest person in the world," Woo said.
The two worked closely throughout the school year. Woo observed Wecksler teach at least once a week and the two met frequently outside of the classroom.
Woo, who is planning to study secondary education at Molloy College in the fall, said Wecksler taught her that a teacher's job is not limited to what goes on in the classroom.
"It's more then just teaching foreign language," Woo said. "She taught me that you have to be prepared every day."
That preparation paid off in an unexpected way, when a substitute teacher failed to show up to one of Ms. Wecksler's classes. Woo was scheduled to observe the class, but rather than leave, she decided that she would direct the class.
Woo took attendance, and implemented the lesson plan that Wecksler had shown her the day before. Despite some jitters, Woo said that the experience was a positive one. "I was nervous at first, but then I knew I had to take charge," Woo said. "It went very well."
Woo's success in the classroom came as no surprise to her, despite suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Whereas others suffering with the ailment might use it as a crutch, Woo used it as motivation. She said that despite ADHD, she believes very strongly that she will be a successful teacher. The challenge, Woo said, is to make other people believe as well.
"I was very confident because I know what I can do," Woo said. "I just have to show others what I'm capable of."
She certainly made a believer out of Wecksler, who said that her time with Woo was a learning experience for both. Woo's empathy for students with special needs was a trait that all teachers should have, Wecksler said.
Wecksler said that in addition to Woo's compassion, her intellect and knowledge of the Spanish language will help her to become a great teacher in the future. But, according to Wecksler, Woo's best trait is her desire. "She worked very hard," Wecksler said. "When you have that determination it really helps."
Wecksler added that not only will Woo be a successful teacher, she has been a role model to other seniors enrolled in the internship program.
"She's definitely going to be a good teacher," Wecksler said. "She's just a remarkable success story for Baldwin High School."
