Q&A: ISU Alumna Susana Fernández on Returning to Her Hometown to Teach

ISU alumna Susana Fernández shares what it’s like to return to her hometown and teach at her former middle school, reflecting on community, global perspective, and the joys of sixth grade social studies.

Q&A: ISU Alumna Susana Fernández on Returning to Her Hometown to Teach

Susana Fernández, a recent Idaho State University (ISU) graduate, has returned to her roots as a sixth grade social studies teacher at Gooding Middle School—the same school she once attended. In this Q&A, she shares her experiences at ISU, what it feels like to be back in her hometown, and the lessons she’s learning from her students.

Q: What does it feel like to return to your hometown to teach at the very school you attended when you were young?
A: I have traveled to many places both near and far, but nowhere has ever compared to my hometown of Gooding, ID. Being able to come back and teach in the very same school I went to as a child has brought me an immense sense of community and nostalgia of my adolescence. Being able to teach alongside my peers (some of which were my past teachers) and give back to the community that gave to me is beyond rewarding.

Q: Can you tell us about a memory you have as a student at Gooding Middle School (GMS) and what it’s like now being on the other side of the classroom?
A: One of my favorite memories at GMS was participating in our annual World Fair event as a 6th and 7th grader. It was a day where we presented our final projects for the whole school and community to come see. Now as a teacher, my most favorite thing is having my students continue the tradition of participating in our annual World Fair.
Fun fact: The classroom that I currently teach in was my old 5th grade classroom!

Q: What were some of the most important things you learned or experienced at ISU that prepared you for your current role as a teacher?
A: In my time at ISU, I got to become a citizen of the world through my education, as well as become well versed in our ever changing global environment. I also had the amazing opportunity to serve as the International Affairs Council President for two years, and gained once in a lifetime experiences while doing it. With all of this, I felt prepared to share my passion and knowledge of everything global to my students in our rural community.

Q: What does community mean to you, especially now that you're giving back to yours in such a direct way? What do you appreciate about your community?
A: To me, community is the feeling of interconnectedness and belonging. The sense of community I have while giving back to my actual community is beyond rewarding and comforting as a recent college graduate. One thing I love about my hometown is that you know everyone and it offers a great way of life no matter what age you are.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching 6th grade social studies?
A: What I enjoy most about teaching is building relationships with all of my students and their unique personalities. It is because of the students that I enjoy coming to work every day.

Q: What have your students taught you so far?
A: My students have taught me patience, kindness, and that it is okay to laugh at yourself sometimes. Being a new teacher, I have made some mistakes through the year. My students have been with me every step of the way this year and I couldn’t be more grateful for them.

Q: What are your hopes for your students and for your career?
A: My hope for my students is that they [leave] my classroom with the knowledge of the ever changing world around them. Knowing about the world around you is your first key to success. My hope for my students is to see that they change the world with their presence [and] skills. My hope for my career is to get better with each passing year.

Q: Any advice you’d give to students thinking about going into education or returning to their hometowns?
A: My advice to anyone wanting to go into a career in education is to give it your all and go for it. The joys of teaching will far outweigh the challenges you may face along the way. Returning to my hometown was a no brainer for me. My advice is to go where your heart leads you to, and you won’t be disappointed.