Elaine Wix
- Position: AP European history, AP seminar, U.S. history dc
- Degrees & Alma Mater: Bachelors in psychology and history, and masters in American history
- School Activities: CO sponsor for GSA and Social Studies department chair
- Years at Caney Creek: 21
- Years Teaching: 21
How would other people describe your high-school self?
I was the newer student, so I was initially pretty quiet, but once I got to know my people through marching band, debate, yearbook and photo journalism, I got out of my shell a little bit, and I became more comfortable and again, friendly with everyone.
Was there a career you wanted to pursue OR pursued before teaching?
I was initially interested in a career as a therapist, but with my personality traits, it would be, I think for me, a lot of emotional labor.And I know teaching is also emotional labor, but with teaching, you kind of have to leave your work at the door. Sometimes with therapy, you’re hearing some very intensive things that maybe sits with you and you know, you ponder them in your heart the rest of the day, and it’s a little harder to leave work at work and have that work balance, I would think, at least for my coursework back then. So I became a teacher, and I still get to help people, but i also get to focus on happy things, focus on growth.
What do you do outside of school for fun? Why?
I love reading. I love watching movies and anime with my family. I’m a huge reader, so I’m usually sitting in my Book Nook and lighting a candle, have a cup of tea and I’m reading a book.
Favorite book genres?
I love anything sci-fi. I love anything fantasy, if it has dragons, if it has fairies, I’m all about it.
When people get to know you, what are they most surprised to learn about you?
My music taste is very electric, but I specifically really love attending metal concerts and getting tattooed, which throws people off. They kind of think of me as, like, you know, that stereotypical teacher, like always wearing a cardigan, but you know, all sides of life should be celebrated I think.
Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.
Around my 40th birthday, I decided to go back to graduate school . When I was in college, we had some family health challenges, and my grandmother east in home hospice, and I moved home for a portion of college to assist with her and her end stages So my GPA in college was okay, but it could have been better. Life circumstances happen. SO going back for graduate school at age 40 required some courage on my part, because I had to you know get all my paperwork together and consider, like taking a test and you know, just confronting my own fears about applying, and it turns out to be a wonderful thing I did.
Who is someone you are thankful for and why?
My husband is the type of person that books are written about. He is so loving and supportive. He’s my number one fan, and he is the person I enjoy most in this world. Nothing is boring with him. He’s my buddy, and if you marry the right person, every day, should feel like a slumber party with your best friend.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
It’s okay to tell people “NO”, my younger self and even my current self, to a certain degree, battles with people pleasing tendencies. And there are people in this world who will take all your resources and leave you with nothing at the end of it. So it’s okay to tell people ‘No’, it’s okay to have appropriate boundaries, and if they have an issue with it, that’s their issue.
What do you hope to be remembered for?
Caring for my students, for promoting education, promoting public schools, for doing everything I can to act in the best interest of my students, that’d be a proud legacy.
What’s on your bucket list?
I want to travel more. I would love to see Italy. I would love to travel more extensively when I’m retired. So travel and just more of those life adventures.
Favorites
- Food: kimchi ramen
- Music: Metal
- TV Show: “Doctor Who”
- Book: “Acotar Series” by Sarah J. Maas
