Teacher Spotlight: HS Math Teacher Allie Van Konynenburg
There's value in learning from others and hearing different perspectives. That's why you'll hear from a High School faculty member in each edition of the Counselor Connection newsletter; your teachers will share ways they practice self-care and prioritize their mental health in the hopes that you may pick up some new ideas of your own. In the inaugural issue, we'll touch base with Math Teacher Allie Van Konynenburg.
By Latricia Watkins, HS Counselor
Q: Would you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert?
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Q: Tell us your name, the subject you teach, and any groups or clubs you sponsor.
A: My name is Allie Van Konynenburg. I teach Precalculus and Advanced Algebra. And, I sponsor the Junior Student Council, which means I'm the unofficial prom queen of the school.
A: My name is Allie Van Konynenburg. I teach Precalculus and Advanced Algebra. And, I sponsor the Junior Student Council, which means I'm the unofficial prom queen of the school.
Q: Would you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert?
A: I am definitely an extrovert. I love being around people.
Q: What helps you manage your stress levels?
A: I make lots of to-do lists to manage all the tasks I have to keep up with. I make sure to take breaks throughout the day whether that's playing Wordle, going on a walk outside, catching up on a favorite TV show, or catching up and chatting with a friend. I also try to map out my week on Sunday so I can intentionally set throughout the week when I have free blocks and when I need to get my work done.
Q: How do you make time for yourself week to week?
A: I try to schedule things to look forward to in the week — that might be a walk or dinner with a friend. I try to get to bed by 10 p.m. so I have time to read (which I love doing). I always try to have an hour to myself each night where I'm by myself; I like puzzles, watching an hour of TV, or cooking myself dinner. And, I try to spend time away from my phone to get a break from technology (I stare at Instagram for way too long).
Q: If you could add something to your self-care routine that you aren't currently practicing, what would that be?
A: I wish I could journal more. It really helps me to write my anxieties down to just help me not worry about things and get it out of my brain but it's hard to find time for that.
Q: What advice would you give to a student that is worried about their mental health state?
A: Find time to do something you enjoy. Even if it's as simple as a walk or eating your favorite snack. Your anxieties are valid and real, but also taking time to find things you love to do will help to tackle those anxieties in a better mindset.
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Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.