It’s safe to say that school cannot be enjoyable all of the time. And while some students may think teachers may be out to bore them, it’s fairly apparent that Amber Coponiti, a World History and Psychology teacher, is not.

Having been positively influenced by a teacher in first grade, one who is “like a second mom” to her, Coponiti recognizes the importance of having teachers that care.

“At a younger age, it’s easier to make people see that school isn’t so bad, and it can be fun if you work hard and try to enjoy it.”

And while she can handle most problems well and with a sense of humor, she has picked up some memorable experiences along the way.

“I had a student attempt to wax his legs in class. And I had never thought in my life I would have to utter the words: “Please do not wax your legs in my classroom.”

But her classes aren’t always fun and games, she loves the learning that comes along with it too.

“My favorite thing to do in class is to have classroom discussions. Because I’m actually interested in what you guys [students] have to say.”

Teaching wasn’t Coponiti’s first passion, however. As a child, she always wanted to be an actor or singer, and she pursues theater in her spare time, even working at a radio station before going into teaching.  

But her dream job? Now, it’s to become the best teacher she can be.

“I remember what it was like in high school, and I remember it can be really stressful. And I want to be there for students who are feeling stressed,” Coponiti said.

“My favorite part of teaching is building relationships with the students. Because I think that high school can be lonely sometimes, it can be big, and people sometimes can get lost in the crowd. And I feel like they need a safe place to come and hang out and talk, and I hope that I can be that for students, so they know that it’s not so bad.”