English teacher Tricia Brown

The Red Ledger: What is your biggest advice for students?

Tricia Brown: I would say my biggest advice for students is that they be themselves and embrace who they are. I think sometimes that is difficult for kids in high school because they’re constantly trying to fit in, and they fit themselves into these boxes. But then they lose sight of who they are. High school [is] the time for you to figure out who you are, what you’re interested in and try those things out. I think the most important thing for kids is to be true to themselves, be true to what you love, figure out who you are, and try not to be afraid of it.

TRL: What do you wish you knew when you were a student?

TB: It’s important to take advantage of all the opportunities that you have. If you want to travel, make sure that you travel. If you think you want to be a doctor, volunteer at a hospital. Just make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity you have. People constantly change, and it’s okay for your interests to change. It’s okay for your friend groups to change. Don’t be afraid to make those changes.

TRL: What are some experiences that changed your thinking from when you were a teenager that you think could be helpful for us right now?

TB: When I was in high school, I was a very shy student. I did everything I was supposed to do, and I got good grades because that’s what was expected. I went to a good college. But that whole time, I was working toward what everybody else expected of me. I was good at math and science, so I was supposed to be an engineer, but I realized that I don’t really like math. So finally, I decided I need to do what makes me happy. So I guess my advice is you don’t have to live up to someone else’s expectations– you only have to live up to your own.