Narbé Mansourian, Upper Elementary Teacher|
Dear Hollywood Schoolhouse |
I think you already know me by now, as we have been working together, side by side, for 20 years. For those who do not know me, my name is Narbé Mansourian, and I am currently teaching 5th and 6th Grade Mathematics this year. Over the course of my time at HSH, I have also taken on History, Science, Current Events, French, Spanish, and Chess. I have enjoyed the many hats I have worn!
The HSH community is my home away from home: it has been my biggest supporter through my triumphs, and it has stood by me as I struggled through my frustrations. While Hollywood Schoolhouse is a big part of my story, I too have helped write a few chapters for my community. I have done so by bringing in my unique background and perspective into my classroom. In turn, the HSH community has applauded my accomplishments as a teacher with its positive reinforcements, and lauded my successes outside the cornerstones of the school. For instance, when I was raising awareness for children’s muscular dystrophy during my bench pressing competitions, it was the HSH community that stepped up and helped me reach my fundraising goal. Once again, after I recently made myself vulnerable about the current situation in my ancestral homeland of Armenia, it was the HSH family that wrapped its arms around me, and stood in solidarity with me.
When thinking about Hollywood Schoolhouse, three words stand out: Family, Comfort, Home. Many of the staff members of the school are like extensions of me, and I know that I can count on them regardless of the situation. I feel comfortable when I am inside my classroom, and as I think of the many students who have come and gone throughout my 20 years at HSH. Finally, it is home to me: HSH has helped me grow, seen me succeed, and has extended its hand when I have fallen.
My hope for the next 75 years at HSH is to continue helping build mindful, socially aware, and kind leaders of the world. We need human beings with those attributes more than ever. More importantly, I dedicate my remaining years at HSH to Ruby and Hart Campbell, who would chuckle every time I would joke that in math, you have to “make it count”. Now, I open and close each of my classes in homage to them, reminding the students to do just that. Most of my 5th and 6th graders roll their eyes at the corniness of the pun. Little do they know that it has deeper and more special meaning; and that it is my vision for Hollywood Schoolhouse for the next 75 and beyond.
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Mr. Narbe