Simone Smith's Questionnaire

My humble abode is located in Surrey, Vancouver. I simply inherited it, and I don't have much to say about it besides that it's the only home I've ever known. Oh, the housing prices here are frightful these days! Not that I would want to move, but really, it's quite unfair. I worry about the welfare of the next generation with how high prices are rising... Ah, I'm rambling. I have a lovely backyard for me to sit on a rocking chair and knit, which I do plenty, and that's enough for me! It's got a great view when the sun hits just right, and the neighbors are lovely. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

I've been working at the same elementary school for... 7 years now, time flies doesn't it? I'm quite the valued member and the principal, who's also been here for about the same time, give or take a year or two less, and she pays me enough to get by. I won't lie, they're very right about teachers not being paid enough, and I can't count the number of classroom materials I have to pay for out of pocket. Just kidding! Yes I can, because I keep track of everything on my organizer! It's not pretty. It's a harsh world out there, but I've got to stay positive. I wish I could give to those who are even more in need, but bringing a smile to the kids in my classes whenever I splurge on pizza parties is enough for me.

Children are our future! We need to encourage and foster the youth of today in order to ensure our society is the best there is. Plus, they're children! I can't stand seeing them sad or in pain. It makes me furious to see how some children are treated and how society does not do nearly enough about it. I see abused, mistreated and bullied kids in my line of work and it just brings me to tears. I'll do anything to stop it, and I welcome a revolution upon society to change the horrible system we live in. I don't want bloodshed, and I value all lives, so I'm hesitant to take one. But at the same time, I don't want suffering, and the people who cause suffering do deserve some sort of wrath... Ethics is hard.

Ah, the teacher's dream is just seeing their kids be happy and successful. Every time a child comes to visit me after graduation, thanking me for their success, I feel overjoyed. And trust me, I remember each and every single one. It just makes my job feel like an actual way for me to contribute to society and make it better! The best part is when they can cite certain things I've done that inspire them to this day, even something as simple as a "Good job on that drawing!" or a "I'm proud of your work, keep it up!" This is what I fight for. 

My coworker, Yvonne, is the music teacher at our school. She's such a free spirit and a creative genius, I love her! She's a gas. Has the greatest outfits, and as my kids would say, it "slays" every time! She is a really gorgeous woman and excellent at her job. I might have a wee bit of a crush on her, but I like to keep my work life separate from my romances, thank you! Plus, imagine the outrage it would cause between our students...

Now look, playing favorites is super unprofessional and damaging to the growth of a class. But, I know, you know, we all know the truth... Teachers do have favorites, yes. I must admit a bit of bias in my heart for my current star student, who goes by Nash. They're so insightful and fun to teach. I hope no one is picking on them for being a teacher's pet.

Lastly, my closest confidant would have to be my childhood friend, Tianna. Any time there's a frustrating situation, I can let it all out and talk to her. She's moved away, but we still keep in contact through our girls night facetime calls!

Well, the tragic truth is, my parents are dead. Now bless their souls, it wasn’t anything overly dramatic, just a spot of misfortune. While I was off in university, they were in a nasty bus accident and passed away.

My mom and dad were great folks, made me into the kind and caring person I am today. Funnily enough, they were both teachers too, though my dad was more of a teaching assistant. He liked his relatively “chill” position, and worked under my mom. That was how they met! Quite romantic if I do say so myself.

Anyway, with two parents having an education degree, they raised me well. I was actually mostly homeschooled until seventh grade. I went to a public elementary school for a while, and my spotty memories of it aren’t great. Hence why I’ve become a teacher today, to make sure it doesn’t happen to any child ever again. I was bullied for my naivety, and the ‘teachers’ there resolved the situation badly. Hmph! They aren’t real teachers in my eyes.

Why, you can’t ask that, silly goose! I’ve already confessed my feelings for a certain Yvonne. I have a thing for bold women, though it’d normally take several drinks to get that information out of me. And I don’t drink! She’s lovely, but I’m not too sure how deep my feelings go. I don’t have time in my life for romance. Teaching is my priority! Besides, what if a confession creates a strain on our friendship? I’m happy to see her almost everyday and chat with her during breaks. Oh, speaking of, I do find it funny that my students are trying to set me up with some of the male faculty. I’ve learned that I don’t swing that way.

i fear not being able to make a change, no matter how small. The future seems hopeless to some, and while I think there’s always hope, I must admit that the circumstances are dire for the next generation. With rising prices, global warming, and not to mention the state of politics, it’s looking rough for Gen Z to Gen Alpha. Another thing that worries me is the rate of literacy and the decline of certain aspects of education. I’m quite afraid that the future is as bleak as it seems. I want all the kids I know and don’t know to have a happy childhood, and it pains me that it’s not the case. I try what I can do change that, but it’s really rough. I’ve had some tough cases. Some where I’ve accidentally made things worse. I’m also quite scared of making things worse. Education is a nuanced topic, one where we can’t make everyone happy. And while I want freedom for everyone, it’s clear to see that some choices are worse than others. I’m scared of seeing things go into states of decline, why I can’t even stand a frown that lasts longer than a minute on a child’s face. 

Change must be possible. It has to be.

Well, I’m a bit of a hoarder, I’ve got all sorts of trinkets and I can’t possibly choose a favourite! So many knicknacks that I’ve collected over the years. If you must ask, I’d direct you to my special pile of cards and gifts that my kids have given me over the years. I still keep a drawing that a child gave me for my first ever time volunteering at a summer camp back when I was a teenager myself. It’s quite silly, adorned with glitter and is a cute little stick figure drawing of me and the kid. Every decision I’ve made in my life thereafter is some sort of echo from the pride and joy of that moment. If I could hang all of them up in my office or classroom, I would, but unfortunately I’ve got limited space. Plus, it feels safer to keep some of them at home, and on a bad day, I can see the collection and remind myself what I’m doing this all for.