by Cherish Brown

Freshman College and Careers teacher Mike Moody, sitting on an empty desk, somehow finding a way to relate sports to college and careers class. Engaging every student with his words of wisdom on playing in a sports team: 

“You have practice everyday after school, and you had matches, games, that took up a lot of time and you had to be efficient to get your stuff done as quick as you can, otherwise you’re getting home at 8, 9, 10, 11 o’clock at night, and you got homework to do, then you have to get it done.”

And even though the year has just started, he’s already made a good impression on the students. Or, as good as you can get with freshmen.

“He’s kind of like my dad, like the way he talks is like specifically like my father. It’s very, like, unnerving actually at times, but very clear speaker, pretty fair, not bad.I don’t really have anything against him, so, pretty fair. Very, just teacher, very, very, funny man, surprisingly,” said freshman Riley Thompson.

He’s actually used to being around first-year high school students. According to Moody, he was a freshman counselor for two years before becoming a teacher.

“Being a counselor, I have students still come to me that have situations going on, but still with that same confidentiality that you have with the actual counselors,” stated Moody. ”I still have my school counseling license, and almost anything that we would discuss, it’s confidential between us.”

Now, even though Moody said he likes being in the classroom better, he is still able to help and connect with students in many ways.

“Sometimes it’s relationship problems, situations that students had at home or helping them get the assistance that they need to get better grades,” Moody said.

He also played sports as a kid, which helps him connect in other ways as well.

“It’s a good way of breaking the ice; it’s also, like I said in class — I use sports analogies, or I say, this situation, and this is how it relates to this, and how this relates to that,” Moody stated.

The class he chose to teach — college and careers — also helps students by teaching them how having and finding a job in the future would work.

“College and careers is giving students an opportunity that we did not have in school, when I grew up. We had to get a job, we had to get the training for a job, then get the job, and find out if we like it or not,” said Moody.

The students he teaches think it’s helpful, too — for the future, and for right now.

“It’s definitely beneficial. It teaches a lot, it’s good for credit and everything and good for the future,” stated Thompson

“It helps me figure out my future,” added freshman Somerville Conner.

He is able to find millions of ways to help all the students that go to him, and he’s happy to do it. He teaches them, guides them, and keeps them on the right track for the future.

“You will get out of high school what you put in,” Moody said. “What I mean is, teachers will do anything to help you, but don’t expect a teacher to bail you out when you’re not doing anything. It’s like a job. When you get a job, if you are making your best effort, a boss will normally help you out. They want you to succeed, which will make them look good. But if you’re not showing up, or turning in the work, your job there will be short.”