13 May Then…And Now: SET High English Teacher Ms. Lennon
Sure, we know SET High, a tuition-free 9th-12th grade high school in San Diego, is next level in education and support. But teachers that read your mind? Actually, given it’s English teacher Ava Lennon, maybe we wouldn’t be surprised. And now that we know she has a sweet spot for chocolate cake, we know what to bring her when she catches us thinking about ending a sentence in a preposition. Again.
What career did you want to pursue when you were in high school?
As a firstborn daughter, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. But, the amazing teachers I had in high school really helped me commit to that decision.
Did you have any jobs while in high school?
Well, in high school, I didn’t have any official jobs other than babysitting. But, while I was in college, I worked as an AVID tutor at Hilltop High School in Chula Vista (the school I graduated from).
Right after graduating from SDSU (San Diego State University), I worked as a server at True Food Kitchen in Fashion Valley while working on my credential program. Although I hope I never have to work as a server again (my RBF sometimes got me into trouble), I do think everyone should work in the service industry at least once in their life in order to better understand and appreciate service industry workers.
What school activities were you involved with in high school?
In high school, I was on the swim team during freshman and sophomore year, but then I realized I enjoyed being part of the drama club far more than swimming, so I transitioned to joining the drama club during my junior and senior year.
What music did you love listening to in high school? Now?
Florence and the Machine then and now. Forever and always. Her lyrics spoke to me in high school and still speak to me now. She’s a true poet.
Did you attend any memorable concerts in high school?
When I was in high school, My Chemical Romance was all the rage. I attended that concert with my cousins. But, I didn’t really do much outside of school and studying while in high school. I think I attended far more concerts when I was in college.
What was your go-to after school snack in high school? What about now?
Hot Cheetos and Lemon Arizona Iced Tea.
Now, my stomach can’t handle that snack. But, I can always go for a delicious piece of chocolate cake!
What did you eat for lunch in high school?
I come from a generation of kids who didn’t really eat a proper lunch at school. If I did eat anything, it was chips and maybe a soda. Not healthy, I know.
What was your favorite class in high school? What class would you like to take now at SET?
I always loved my English classes. A special thanks goes to my freshman and junior year English teacher, Ms. Miller, for always creating a safe environment for learning. She helped instill in me a love of reading and learning.
I also loved being part of the drama club! Shout out to Ms. Moss!
If I could take a class at SET, I’d be interested in taking Ms. Jokanovic’s psychology class and Ms. Farias’ Spanish Lit.
How did you get around in high school? How do you get around now?
Oftentimes, my grandfather dropped me off and picked me up from school. It was beautiful because I got special time with him that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. On the rare occasion he wasn’t able to, I would sometimes walk to school.
What do you love about SET- what sets it apart from other schools?
I love teaching at SET because my students are always engaged and willing to learn. I am given certain freedoms here that I would not have at other schools (in terms of how I want to teach/implement certain skills and curriculum). The administrators here support the teachers on campus in a way that I have not experienced at previous schools I’ve worked.
And finally, what is something you wish you knew at age 19?
That it’s never too late to be the person you want to be. I think young people are always made to feel that they have to make all of the right decisions for themselves before they graduate from high school, but I don’t think that is realistic. People change— we grow and adjust and that’s a beautiful thing.
5 More Fun Facts about Ms. Lennon:
What is the scariest animal?
Me.
What’s your secret talent?
I can read minds.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done (besides teaching!)?
Stand up to people who need to be told what’s what. People don’t always like it, and I can sometimes get labeled a troublemaker, but I don’t really care anymore.
What’s a cause that’s dear to you?
Access to education and access to healthcare.
What did you want to be when you were 5?
I have no idea what I wanted to be when I was five, but I do remember that I always wanted to help people.
Thanks for sharing a little of your past and present Ms. Lennon! Learn more about Ms. Lennon and all of our teachers and staff here at our thrice-awarded California Distinguished School. You can design your own learning path filled with rigorous academics, truly unique electives, fun clubs, and sports. Enrolling now!
About SET High
SET High offers each student individual attention from multi-talented, highly qualified teachers. Students at our California Distinguished School (three times awarded!) build a healthy camaraderie with classmates inside an intellectually rigorous environment that brings out their talents and personality, helping them develop their individual character and direction in life. With a wide variety of electives, flexible scheduling, dual enrollment college classes and more — our students regularly exceed their academic and personal expectations. Enroll now. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at www.sethigh.org.