Mrs. Obando, a new history teacher, is looking forward to the experience of teaching high school students after working at Rachel Carson Middle School.

What is your favorite thing to do while not working?

I enjoy biking and hiking with my husband and spending time with my family. I also enjoy making needlepoint belts and pillows. I am not much of a television person. I wish to participate in helping with after school clubs next year but for now I am settling into the new school.

What is your family life like?

I grew up in Missouri and am a middle child. I currently have a husband and three children. Two of them have graduated from South Lakes. My last one, however, still goes here and is a junior.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Once I biked into Georgetown, had dinner with my husband, and biked back at around 9:30. It was completely dark during the night and my cell battery was at twenty percent. My husband didn’t even have his phone on him for some reason. We biked for twenty miles and passed by some weird night joggers who reminded us of zombies. I almost hit two deer and it took thirty minutes to get back to the car.

Why did you start working at South Lakes?

I used to teach high school and loved the experience and atmosphere of it. My previous job was at Rachel Carson Middle School and I didn’t feel like middle school provided a bonding experience with my students because I could only be with them for a year. I also wanted to watch my past students and new students grow up. Most importantly, I want to help my students succeed in whatever they do and help them reach their goals.  

Why did you start teaching?

I always knew I would be a teacher. After all, my mom was a teacher so it was just something I’ve always wanted to do. Since I love helping kids, teaching is a very fun and rewarding thing to do.

What is a difficult part of your job?

The paperwork is difficult because of the vast quantity of it and the lack of time I have to fill it out. This makes finding time and managing my time a problem.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is, “We will all die. The goal is not to live forever, but to leave something that will.”

What do you look forward to at South Lakes?

I look forward to seeing the progress in my students throughout their high school experience. I also look forward to that moment when my students finally understand the idea of what I was trying to teach them. I also look forward to the spirit days and pep rallies, especially homecoming.

How do you want your students to remember you?

I want to be remembered as a helpful teacher who is dependable, trustworthy, and always there for her students.