“No matter what happens, you still gotta wake up tomorrow and feed the chickens.” This is what chemistry teacher and math and science team coach Shayna Reasoner has said to me right before I competed at UIL Regionals for the last 4 years.
It’s so silly, considering neither of us owns chickens, but this little piece of advice — that losing or failing to do one’s “best” isn’t the end of the world — gives me a much-needed laugh and a chance to breathe. It allows me to realize that there’s still tomorrow to face, people to see and chickens to feed, that this one moment won’t define me.
Moments like these — ones where Reasoner gives out kindness, timeless wisdom, and support for myself and others — are a dime a dozen with her. Because Reasoner is truly one of the most caring, intelligent, hilarious, honest and strongest people I know. No matter how frustrated I am with my lack of progress or disappointed to the point of tears, she doesn’t stop believing in me nor does she make light of those feelings. Instead, she merely listens and tries to understand. I truly can’t convey how much it means to me for someone to not only listen to what feels like insignificant problems and overreactions but actually try to relate and understand.
Not to mention, without Ms. Reasoner, I wouldn’t be in the academic top ten. Back in my freshman and sophomore years, when I was a part of the color guard, there were hours between when school ended and practice started. Finding time to finish homework and study was near impossible, as the band hall was crowded and noisy, and I was too tired after a late practice to do anything productive. So, I went to my Math and Science coach, ready to beg her to let me use her quiet classroom to study, and she very simply said: “Of course, you can stay in here.” That easy acceptance is the reason I built solid study habits and maintained my grades throughout the years, and that safe space kept me sane throughout some really difficult times for my family. Looking back, I wish I had thanked her more for it.
Beyond her dedication to Math and Science team, she’s also incredibly dedicated to her classroom and students. She constantly stays after school reviewing content with struggling students, holds multiple hour-long study sessions for her AP Chemistry class, and pushes her students to do their best without throwing them in the deep end. I have never met a student who dislikes Reasoner and, honestly, I don’t believe I ever will.
There’s so much more I could write. Little moments or phrases that will stick with me forever, and I wish there was more I could give back to her for not only improving my life and being one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, but for teaching both my older siblings as well. We all will never forget you, Ms. Reasoner and the lessons you’ve taught us. I will never stop striving to your standard of kindness, understanding, dedication and intelligence.
Thank you for being yourself, Ms. Reasoner, and for staying with me for all these years!
Your favorite Birkeland,
Annika
