By Whitney ’31
Harvard-Westlake has been an amazing school to me. Something that has made my experience at HW very special is how supportive the teachers are and how much they want students to grow and learn. Since the first days of school, my teachers have been welcoming, encouraging, and patient, which has helped me a lot during my first year at Harvard-Westlake. They are always open to helping students when they need it and truly want everyone to succeed.
Starting seventh grade can feel overwhelming because everything is new, for example, new classes, new teachers, and higher expectations. However, the teachers at HW make the transition much easier. They understand that middle school students are still learning how to manage their time and responsibilities, and they guide us through the process. When something feels confusing or challenging, teachers are always willing to explain it again or help in a different way so that everyone understands.
Two classes where I really feel supported are history and science. In history, learning about American history is exciting because every class brings something new. My teacher makes lessons engaging and encourages students to ask questions and share ideas. This makes the class feel interactive and interesting instead of just memorizing facts. Science is another class I really enjoy because it is very hands-on. We get to participate in experiments and activities that help us understand concepts better, and the teacher makes sure we feel confident before moving on to new material. With every single class at HW, the teachers always are there to support you and help you through any challenges.
Outside of academics, HW teachers also care about students as individuals. Many students, including myself, balance schoolwork with activities such as sports and clubs. As someone who participates in basketball and is a Student Ambassador, I appreciate how teachers understand the importance of balance. They encourage us to work hard while also reminding us to take care of ourselves and enjoy the activities we love. Even though sometimes with sports you miss some of your last class, the teachers help you make up any of the work that you missed and they help you work through it and understand the material you missed.
Another thing that stands out about HW teachers is how respectful the teachers are. Whether it’s during class, office hours, or advisory, teachers make it clear that they are there to support us. Even small moments, like a teacher checking in or giving you positive feedback, they can make a big difference in how students feel about school. They make school feel very fun for you and enjoyable for all kids.
With all the support from my teachers, I have grown more confident as a student. I feel comfortable asking questions, participating in class, and challenging myself with harder classwork. The teachers at Harvard-Westlake create a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged to try their best and learn from their mistakes.
Overall, the support from teachers at HW has played a huge role in making my first year in middle school such a positive experience. Knowing that teachers truly care about our learning and growth makes HW feel like a welcoming and fun place to be.
