By Ivan Lev
New English teacher Mrs. Ramirez recently joined the staff, returning to a campus that holds personal significance for her. She grew up in Dana Point and graduated from Dana Hills in 2008, so she was excited to come back as a teacher. Walking into her classroom was a nostalgic experience, teaching in the same room where she once sat as a student. Before coming to Dana, Mrs. Ramirez worked as a counselor for young families preparing for deployment overseas, advancing into the role of project coordinator. Through this work, she discovered her passion for supporting and guiding youth, leading her to pursue a career in teaching. In the classroom, Mrs. Ramirez focuses on helping students build confidence in their writing. When students struggle, she happily lends a hand by providing examples before letting go and allowing them to continue on their own. She shared that what she enjoys most about teaching English is being able to help every student succeed, regardless of their starting point. Mrs. Ramirez has described the school environment so far as “very welcoming.” She has also noted that the students are “incredible and respectful,” making the transition back to her alma mater even more rewarding. As the semester continues, she hopes students leave her class with more than just academic growth. The message she hopes students take away from her is that “It doesn’t ever hurt to be a good person.”