Perhaps it is indeed the case that Emma brings out the very best in her teachers (and we ourselves suspect that it is). If so, then it’s probably a very good thing that Emma wants to explore teaching as a future career possibility. She’s always loved kids, and would love to pass on her own positive school experiences. Although she has certainly had some challenging teachers, they have all been extremely supportive, and they have certainly helped her get to where she has needed to be, academically.

 

All of this hardly comes as a surprise, considering that Emma has spent her entire school career in Jasper County. Emma benefits from working closely with people who share the same close values and sense of partnership in this close-knit community. Her teachers are likely just as optimistic and outgoing as Emma herself. Perhaps that’s the secret of why they get along so well. Or is it simply that Emma is an absolute delight – the type of student that every teacher dreams of having in class? After all, Emma’s hard work is not only reflected in a high GPA, but she also participates in two sports – basketball and track. In keeping with her humility, she says she’s “just” a thrower – shot and disc. However, she can’t fool us. We are utterly aware how difficult both of these events actually are. Emma has played both sports since she was very young, and one of her absolute favorite things about them is being part of a team. She observes that being part of a team and sharing the growth that comes with it contributes mightily to who she’s become. And in fact, that’s how she views Jasper County itself – as a team: a whole team of people who love to work together.

 

Not only does Emma participate in athletics, but she has also served on the student council since the seventh grade, which is further evidence of how very well she works on a team. At the same time, she also serves as a school leader – especially in the band: Emma is the drum major. She has been in band since seventh grade, and she loves music so much, she would still participate in chorus if it could fit into her schedule. The music teachers depend heavily on her – to sort out any issues that might arise in band, or even to teach other students how to overcome their own musical challenges (no surprise; Emma is teaching already). However, Emma knows her own boundaries and limits: she’ll stick to making music rather than dancing to it.

 

Although Emma might pursue her college career at a community college, we feel that this bright and talented young lady has an extremely good shot at getting a full four-year scholarship to myriad other options, should she choose to pursue them, as Emma would brighten up any campus. And she will certainly put her future education to good use: after all, if Emma had a magic wand and only one wish, she would still use it to help others – she would encourage people to do something with their lives, and make it possible for people to pursue their dreams. Emma’s future students and potential team members are lucky, in a pro forma sense. We close our interview with Emma, leaving little doubt about the quality preparation she has received here at Newton High School, but also throughout her Jasper County School career. And it requires very little imagination to see in our mind’s eye, just how fortunate some future classroom full of students may be to have Emma Nadler as its instructor.