20 Jun Then…And Now: SET High Math Teacher, Ms. Cutright
Sure, you can ask SET High math teacher, Ms. Cutright, about all sorts of equations, but have you asked her about her four square prowess? At our tuition-free 9th-12th grade high school in San Diego, we love having a diverse group of teachers and staff, in teaching styles, backgrounds, and interests. This week we learn about a new-ish SET teacher and find out a little more about her- both now and back in high school.
What is your role at SET?
Math Teacher, Freshmen Advisor
What do you love about SET- what sets it apart from other schools?
I love how much of a tight-knit community this is. It allows us to build stronger bonds with the students, that in turn allows for more trust and freedom for them to explore their education.
What career did you want to pursue when you were in high school?
I wanted to be an environmental engineer.
Any after-school and/or summer jobs while in high school?
I was always a camp counselor for my entire life. One camp we had to go by nicknames so all the kids would call me Bernie.
Another camp I worked at, during the lunch rotation someone had to monitor the four square court. My boss knew that I had broken my tooth playing four square when I was a child so she put me in charge of the courts and told all of the kids that I was an Olympic gold medalist in four square. Very fun and ironic.
What activities were you involved with in high school? Are you involved in any SET activities?
I was involved in the science club -I was co-president- and was in charge of setting up all the different experiments that we would do each week! Now in my second year at SET, I’ve helped produce this year’s yearbook.
What music did you love listening to in high school? Now?
I loved listening to a lot of R&B music and really angsty emo music, but now that I am older (and no longer going through puberty haha) I like to listen to relaxing, upbeat indie music, or older rock music that I would listen to with my parents when I was younger. I am also finding that I enjoy folk music a lot more lately.
Did you attend any memorable concerts in high school? What were they?
I saw Shakira as my first concert- she was two hours late! I also went to the Outside Lands music festival and got to see a bunch of cool artists whose music I still listen to today.
What was your go-to after school snack in high school?
My high school was in the downtown area so we had a lot of options for after school snacks, but a lot of the time I would go get some boba with my friends or go to the cafe at the library and get some instant noodles.
What did you eat for lunch in high school? What about now?
I would rotate throughout the week- ham and cheese sandwich from the liquor store across the street, spam musubi, fried rice, poke, or a burrito. I went to these places so consistently that the people who worked at the restaurant would already have my order ready by the time I had made it to the front of the line. Now I usually make a large meal on Sunday or Monday that I eat throughout the week. Something that is easy to make in large batches like pasta or some sort of salad.
What was your favorite class in high school? What class would you like to take now at SET?
My favorite class in high school was probably my calculus class. I loved my teacher, and I was really interested in the topic. I think a class that I would be really interested to take at SET would be Debunking Disney, or the Conspiracy Theories and Propaganda class. I love the crazy electives that we are able to offer here.
How did you get around in high school?
I would always take the bus to school, and sometimes I would take it home too. I would also walk home when it was a nice day, or I would hitch a ride from a friend when we were all old enough to start driving.
And finally, what is something you wish you knew at age 19?
That life doesn’t end if I don’t have a boyfriend. And that I should have minored in something! It’s good to broaden your horizons and learn more applicable skills.
5+ Fun Fast Facts About Ms. Cutright
What is the scariest animal?
Geese.
You get to listen to one singer/composer for the rest of your life- who is it?
Too hard to choose! Probably the Eagles.
What one thing do you need in your refrigerator?
I always need kimchi!
What was the last book/movie/tv show/podcast/all of the above that you enjoyed?
I love the Barbie movie so much. A tv show that I just watched was The Haunting of Hill House. My favorite podcast is called Stuff You Should Know.
If you could live in any era, what would it be and why?
I would love to have been born a French noblewoman so that I could just live life and explore the arts.
Early bird or night owl? How early? How late?
Neither! Daytime only.
Learn math –or science club ideas– and even art from Ms. Cutright and know that she –and all our teachers and staff– is here for you! It’s part of what makes us a 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 (twice 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.