From walking the halls as a student to now teaching a class here every day, these successful Klein Oak alumni have chosen to return to work for the high school that gave so much to them.
“Out of all the Klein high schools, it’s the best. I actually wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” English IV and Communications teacher Tiffany Law said. “I felt like I could give back to the place that gave to me.”
Over the years, Klein Oak has changed a lot; not just the students and classes, but the building itself has gone through many phases.
“They added on to the building quite a bit. We had lockers when I was here, [but] we don’t have those anymore,” French teacher Danya Brady said. “Some of the things that they expect of students are different- the testing and things like that. We didn’t always have the opportunity to do retakes.”
Every alumnus had a favorite year of high school, one that stood out to them and helped shape who they came to be. For World Geography teacher CJ Ward, that was his junior year: the year he got to start on the varsity football team.
“I think it’s a big transition from sophomore to junior year,” Ward said. “You’re kind of creeping up on your senior year, and college is after that, so I kind of enjoyed my junior year the most.”
Some issues haven’t changed over the years, though: things that were happening at the school during their time, are still going on now.
“I feel that lunch should be longer,” AP English three teacher Linda Billings said. “Long lines [and] scarf down [your] food. That hasn’t changed.”
Despite the issues that all public high schools face, these alumni have gained skills and experiences that have helped them in their work and in managing their classrooms.
“My work ethic, being involved in different things, and having those time lines, rules, places to be, and schedules has helped me in my work,” Law said. “It has helped me set priorities on what to do and to give my all when I’m working,” Law said.
According to the teachers, there is a huge difference in students now compared to students back then: clothes, electronics, and slang words.
“Even though I’m kind of a young guy, they make me feel old now,” Ward said. “There’s a lot of lingo that I’m kind of out the loop with now. It’s kind of funny to hear those things.”
Overall, the alumni said they had a great high school experience and are proud to be teaching and making a great influence on the soon-to-be alumni.
“It’s just like a family, and I feel Mr. Hensley, the teachers, and administration welcomed me with open arms, and brought me in like I was one of their own,” World History teacher John Bolding said. “I feel like if you want to come to a place where you’re treated like family, you come back home to Klein Oak.”
