When discussing her classroom success, a common theme healthy relationships becomes evident for Kassy Shelby.
Her favorite teachers, Shelby noted, did more than hand out assignments and give lectures.
The best ones often challenged her responses, asking her why as often as what.
In a funny way, they were the ones who convinced Shelby that sometimes, its OK to be wrong.
Sometimes, being wrong can lead to being right, Shelby said. Sometimes being wrong teaches you how to ask the right questions.
That said, Shelby hasnt been wrong very often through her four years at Iola High School. She is one of six graduating seniors who will earn her diploma with a 4.0 grade-point average.
Senior commencement at IHS is at 2 p.m. Saturday in the high school gymnasium.
I think Im mostly ready to get it over with, Shelby said with a laugh. The next chapter of my life is starting, so Im nervous about this part. But Im also excited because I like new things. Im ready for that, but the unknown is kind of intimidating.
SHELBY hopes to replicate her student-teacher relationships into college and beyond, where if things go according to plan, shell be on the other side of the ledger as an elementary school instructor.
Ive always wanted to teach elementary school, she said. Its always been my favorite time at school. Its fun learning new things. Everybodys excited to learn.
The daughter of David and Kathy Shelby will enroll in the fall at John Brown University, a private Christian college in Siloam Springs, Ark.
I really wanted a school that challenged me mentally, but also had a good social environment for me. Being a Christian, I want to show that faith to my students. A Christian college will help me be a Christian and a teacher.
John Browns small class sizes offer the same environment Iola High does, Shelby said.
I want to have a relationship with my teachers, I want them to know my name, she said. I want to be able to go to them for help, to know they care about me learning. In a bigger school, they may not know your name. Youre just another student.
Her passion for teaching was evident early on, when Shelby frequently would play school with her two younger sisters, Sidney and Miah.
Id always be the teacher, she laughed, teaching them things Id learned over the summer.
