WOODBURY – It’s a unique experience to see students grow from 9th grade freshmen to high school graduates on the cusp of college and life beyond graduation. For NHS faculty member Ryan Campanario, he has the unique privilege of seeing this year’s senior class as not only graduating seniors, but through his memories of them when he worked as an elementary school PE instructor.
The NHS Chief Advocate had the opportunity to sit with Campanario and learn about the unique experiences of seeing his students go from age 7 years olds to 18 year old seniors.
In what ways have you seen the biggest developmental changes, beyond the obvious physical growth of your students, throughout your time with this year’s senior class? I like to see how students progress and young adults and what drives them in life. I enjoy hearing about what they strive to become and where they see themselves as time progresses.
What are your memories of this year’s senior class when they were 2nd graders?
I like to see how students progress and young adults and what drives them in life. I enjoy hearing about what they strive to become and where they see themselves as time progresses.
What lessons have you learned and what do you want to leave this year’s seniors with from being their teacher as both an elementary PE instructor and high school instructor?
I have learned many things over the years and one of the most valuable things I believe is that students will remember how they are treated. I feel as though once a positive relationship is established students become more willing to do what is asked of them.
How is teaching elementary school second graders different from teaching high school kids?
The energy levels are completely different! The second-grade students love anything that they do and are just wanting to move while high school kids are different. Some high school classes are very energetic too, but oftentimes high school students are less enthused to be active. I do miss teaching the young kids at times, as it is very fun and rewarding.
How has your teaching grown throughout the years?
I think you are always learning when you teach. Times change and so do students and how people learn. Each student and class varies and making meaningful relationships is very important to me. I enjoy getting to know each student and what they enjoy as an individual while also teaching them about health and wellness.
I think you are always learning when you teach. Times change and so do students and how people learn. Each student and class varies and making meaningful relationships is very important to me. I enjoy getting to know each student and what they enjoy as an individual while also teaching them about health and wellness.
What advice would you give the class of ‘26 as they enter the world beyond NHS’ campus?
Set goals! Not all will be met but not having any is a recipe for being complacent. Also to enjoy the various stages of life as it will truly fly by, there will be ups and downs and how you handle them all will have a major impact on the person you become.
