Uzo Ahn ’18
It’s more about for me the habits that you learn and the ways of thinking you learn than it is about the actual mathematical content
With high spirits and determination, Ms. McClellon is making a bold approach to the mathematics department of University School’s Upper Campus. I had a chance to sit down and talk with her last week on her experience at US thus far.
Why did you choose US? What aspects of University School stood out to you the most?
“Well, I was actually nervous about applying to US because I didn’t have any experience with an all-boys school, but I knew it had a great reputation since I grew up in this area. I applied and came to visit, and it was my visit day that completely swayed me. Just the way that all the students presented themselves really impressed me, and when I met with a group of students how they would all answer my questions. Just going around the building, I was completely amazed about the trust everybody had and the respect everybody had for each other, and it was really a community instead of a school.”
It’s only been a semester since you joined the US community, but what are your thoughts so far? What has been for you the most successful and the most challenging situations you’ve faced?
“I really love it here. I really like the community and how you can leave your backpack out and leave your laptop open, and how everybody helps each other out. One of the big challenges is the competitiveness I wasn’t expecting. I like playing a lot of games in class [with the students] and it’s a little different from when I was teaching at a co-ed school. The competition is really amped so I’m still learning how to manage a classroom environment where we can play games and be competitive without going a little over the top. But I really like how teachers and students have free time where they can meet and talk and discuss so not everything has to be after school when people have activities.”
Were you a math person from the beginning, or did your interests change along the way?
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I originally wanted to be a first grade teacher, but then when I was a senior in high school, my senior project was helping with the kindergarten, and I decided maybe I want to teach high school instead. I decided to become a math teacher. I did get an engineering degree in college, but then went on to do education for masters.”
What are your hobbies? What do you like to spend time doing other than teaching?
“Well, before I had kids, I was all about martial arts and did a lot of martial arts of various types. I’ve dropped that since having children because I don’t have the time anymore.”
How far have you gotten in martial arts?
“I’m a third degree black belt in Tae-kwon-do, a brown belt in Judo, and a blue belt in Jujitsu. But the hobbies I still have: I love reading, I love just hanging out with family, and I can do some arts and crafts occasionally.”
And finally, what do you hope to accomplish during your time here at US?
“I hope to influence my students in such a way that they become better thinkers and problem solvers and overall learners, and have an impact on some of my students’ lives in that way. It’s more about for me the habits that you learn and the ways of thinking you learn than it is about the actual mathematical content.”