2007 Amelia Oliver-Jackson
When did you graduate from HHS and where did you go from here?
I'm Amelia Oliver-Jackson and I am a 2007 graduate of Hillsdale High School. After graduation I attended Concordia University in Ann Arbor for a year where I was a member of the dance team. I transferred to Western Michigan University the following year to pursue my degree in Special Education. I graduated from WMU with degrees in special education, elementary education, emotional impairment, learning disabilities, and elementary language arts. I accepted a lower elementary position in Berrien Springs, MI and resided there for 3 years before recently returning to the Hillsdale area.
Can you tell us a little bit about the company you work for?
I am a special education teacher for the Columbia School District in Brooklyn, MI. I split my day between Columbia Options High School and Columbia Central Junior High School.
What does your workday look like?
I start my mornings at Columbia Options High School bright and early. I work with both general and special education populations at Options. I end my day co-teaching and serving in the 8th grade resource room at Columbia Central Jr. High in the afternoons. My days consist of classroom teaching, monitoring individual student goals, writing Individual Education Plans, and implementing Positive Behavior Supports for all students. After school I coach Jr. High Cheerleading and JV/Varsity tumbling.
Can you tell us what your time at HHS was like?
I was heavily involved in music during my time at HHS. I was a member of the orchestra and choir and participated in the first musical production at Hillsdale: The Pirates of Penzance. I was also a cheerleader and gymnast at HHS. I made a solid group of friends that I'm still close with to this day.
How did your time at HHS help you now?
My time at HHS prepared me for the academics I encountered at the collegiate level. I had some absolutely stellar teachers and mentors who made a lasting impact on my life. I frequently quote my teachers and use their strategies in my own classroom now as an educator.
Is there a teacher who had a significant impact on your life?
Mrs. Francis was the first math teacher to truly help me develop a deep understanding of mathematics. I use the algebraic strategies she taught me everyday in my classroom.
Advice for current students?
I have 3 rules for life:
- "Don't be dumb" - it sounds crass, but be wary of making sudden 'dumb' decisions and watch your personal biases.
- "What others think of you is none of your business" - be unapologetically yourself! I can assure you, you're awesome exactly how you are right this moment. If someone can't see your worth they aren't worth worrying about.
- "Be kind" - you never know what someone else may be going through, so choose kindness.
