Many students say they look forward to having relationships with their teachers so that they could have a better learning experience.

Students in yearbook, photojournalism, and journalism enjoy having a strong relationship like this with their teacher, Rebecca Pollard.

“She’s always there for me and she knows what I need. She also cares about what I need as a person,” said junior Lauren Lewellen.

The life lessons that she has taught her students can be incorporated into the photos they take, the stories they write, and the yearbooks they create.

Students learn how to manage their time so that they can meet their deadlines, through the process of taking photos and producing a yearbook

They also learn how to work together as a team which prepares them for their future careers.

“The kids tell me all the time you know that they always come back to these skills because they are so valuable no matter what field you are in. These are definitely transformable,” said Mrs. Pollard.

She teaches her students how to be independent so that they can flourish in class and in the future.

“I allow them the creative ability to do this job and to run this business because ultimately they’re the ones in charge. That’s why it’s student ran,” said Mrs. Pollard.

In order for her students to learn from their mistakes, she gives them honest feedback on their assignments.

“Turning in our pictures and all that we did, she would tell us if they’re terrible or not. She’d be brutally honest that’s just who she is,” said junior Zara Phillips.

Mrs. Pollard reassures her students to not give up on themselves even when they make mistakes.

“She’s like ‘it’s okay, you’ll do better next time. Like just always look on the brighter side, you’ll always be okay,’” said junior Zara Phillips.

Mrs. Pollard tries not to forget about the students she has had in the past.

In fact, she still stays in touch with some of her former students.

“I hold a special place in my heart for some of the kids that I taught at my very first school. Here I have laughed, and bonded, and shared with these kids and they have shared with me,” said Mrs. Pollard.

Mrs. Pollard said she considers herself lucky to have enduring and positive relationships with her students.