As some know, this is my last year at HC. My husband was transferred with his company, and we will be moving to the Dallas Fort Worth area in June. I do not want to lose touch with the hundreds of students I've encountered at HC. Please, let me know how you are doing! And, if you are in DFW - let's get together!
Love,
Metty
Where did you go to college and what was your degree?
My undergrad degree is from Texas State University. I have an English/Political Sci degree and certifications (acquired later) in secondary English and Social Studies. I originally planned to go to law school, but God had a different plan.
What do you enjoy about working at HC?
My favorite thing about HC has always been our students. We have the absolute best students and families around. I would not trade working with any one of them for the world.
What is your favorite memory from working with students & alumni at HC?
ONE? I just can't . . . My favorite memories at HC include a few of my original mentor groups. My first was a group of 10 freshman boys with whom I shared all four years at HC. At first, we had little to talk about, then I started bringing snacks - amazing how boys open up for snacks - ha! By the time they were seniors, I felt like a mom watching my sons graduate high school. They gifted me with a beautiful James Avery bracelet engraved with the fruits of the spirit. I wear it all the time and think of them fondly when I do.
My next group included 10 ladies whom I inherited sophomore year and walked with until graduation. Again, they stole my heart and left tears on my cheeks at graduation. We laughed, cried, baked, ate, and just enjoyed life together. I also have an affinity for the class of 2008 b/c I taught nearly every student in the class (world history and AP world history - then electives as well). I developed a special bond with that group as a teacher and student council sponsor - and I was the graduation speaker for that class as well. They have my heart forever.
Finally, I've definitely stayed close to so many kiddos over the years and have walked with them through trials and celebrations as alumni.
Bryan Malone '06
tutored my daughter for the SAT. I attended his wedding, and have kept up with his family. Funny story - his mom hooked up with my sister (and cared for her so well) during some years with Oil Companies in Kazakstan. Shows how small this world is and just how HC families and faculty have become so close over time. I simply reached out, and Shelley Malone more than covered me with blessings at a time when my family so needed it. I have many stories like this!
Tyler Look '11
and I met up in Munich, Germany last summer when my husband, Aaron, and I traveled for a bit. He has always loved history - we'd trekked China together at HC, and over the last break, we were able to tour Dachau together as well as the Hoffbrau Bier Garten. Tyler even fixed us a traditional Bavarian breakfast at our Airbnb!
This past weekend I was honored to attend the wedding of
Tim Westmoreland '07
and his new bride, Jessye, in Austin, TX. Tim thanked me for "kicking his butt" while he was here and said it helped him find direction.
I met with
Madeline Sneed '12
for dinner in Houston when she visited from Boston, where she is pursuing a masters in writing.
I've frequently met with
Sam Driver '09
- professor at Brown University and recent curator at the MFAH (studied Russian language/linguistics) - and we kept in touch while he was in Moscow working.
Chris Tutunjian '11
and I have stayed in touch from HC to Stanford to UVA - and now he's an attorney! I love seeing these successes.
Lauren Evans '14
sends me thoughts and prayers on occasion, and this warms my heart beyond belief.
Courtney King '16
and I are still very close - she's at Southwestern and demonstrating tremendous leadership there.
Probably one of my closest relationships is with
Chloe Whitewater '15
at Seton Hall. I mentored Chloe for four years at HC. We've visited in NYC and have kept closely linked while she's been at SH. She currently works at the UN on sustainability - and I could not be more proud.
I attended
Kaitlin Handel's
wedding (
'12
) in April - and love both her and her sister,
Kristi (Handel) Nondorf '10
.
There are just too many memories and special kids in my life to single out one. They have blessed me beyond measure - and I'm forever grateful for each.
Do you have a favorite class or year?
Overall 2008 - but I'm super close to several classes - so I hesitate to say just one.
What do you think is unique about your relationship with alumni after they graduate from HC?
Well, the most important thing for me is relationships. I try my best to invest in students well beyond the content of my classroom. I care for them, and I want them to know it. I enjoy being an advocate for students, getting to know them and their passions, and pushing them to meet their potential. I like to know their families, and I enjoy being a part of watching them "grow up." I love my subject, but I so love
teaching
more. Students quickly figure this out, and they value it as well. HC offers something special in that we have the privilege of getting close to our students and families - so I just take advantage of that. (I also try to love them as Jesus loved us - without judgment, but with honesty)
How would you suggest students stay in touch with you and with HC?
I welcome students to contact me on Facebook, Instagram, or email. Many have my phone number, and this is ok with me too. I love seeing HC alumni coming back here to visit, to play basketball in the gym, to attend events, or to just say hello. I definitely encourage them to get involved and to stay a part of the community!
