From Shy Freshman to Confident Educator: Aundrayah Berry's Journey at Waggener High School
Aundrayah Berry, a senior at Waggener High School, has undergone a remarkable transformation during her high school years. From a self-described shy "anime nerd" to a confident cheerleading captain and aspiring teacher, Aundrayah's journey exemplifies the power of embracing opportunities and staying true to oneself.
Finding Her Place at Waggener
Aundrayah's path to Waggener High School was not a straight one. Having moved frequently in her younger years, she attended numerous schools before settling at Western Middle School. When it came time to choose a high school, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to make her decision based on virtual tours. Despite this challenge, Waggener stood out, particularly due to its Teaching and Learning pathway in the IT and Law Academy.
The Academies model at Waggener has proven to be a perfect fit for Aundrayah. This approach groups students with the same teachers and peers throughout their high school experience, fostering deeper connections. "Waggener is a small school that makes it easy to connect with other students," Aundrayah notes. "Connecting and communicating with teachers is easier too."
Embracing the Teaching Path
Aundrayah's passion for teaching was evident from the start. Even as a freshman in the Freshman Academy, she began taking teaching classes, becoming the first in her class to complete the four-course teaching sequence. "I have always wanted to be a teacher because I have a natural desire to help people," she explains.
This desire to help others runs in the family. Aundrayah's mother, Latise Berry, who now works at Waggener's front desk, instilled in her daughter the virtues of service and helping others. "My mom taught me the importance of service," Aundrayah reflects, recalling her mother's volunteer work at church and Sunday school.
“I didn’t want to be weird coming into high school. Now as a senior, I’m still weird, but I think that showing this is what people like about me.”
From Shy Freshman to Confident Senior
Entering high school, Aundrayah describes herself as extremely shy. "I was so shy," she recalls with a laugh. "I was very nerdy...like Anime nerdy." However, determined to break out of her shell, she took advantage of every opportunity high school offered.
Aundrayah joined numerous clubs and activities, including orchestra, cheerleading, archery, quick recall, Beta Club, and the Black Student Union. She also served as an Academy Ambassador, an experience that significantly boosted her confidence. "I hated talking to people before this," she admits. The role forced her to grow, with Aundrayah vividly recalling the moment an eighth grader called her "ma'am" during a tour she led as a freshman.
Through these experiences, Aundrayah learned a valuable lesson: "It's ok to be yourself and have your quirks." She reflects, "I didn't want to be weird coming into high school. Now as a senior, I'm still weird, but I think that showing this is what people like about me." As cheerleading captain, Aundrayah sees her role as crucial to school spirit. "Cheerleaders are the heart of the school," she notes.
Real-World Teaching Experiences
Aundrayah's journey in education extends beyond the classroom. She has competed in Educators Rising, placing first at the state level in Lesson Planning and Delivery as a sophomore and third at nationals in Orlando. She repeated her success as a junior, placing third at the state level.
This year, Aundrayah is gaining hands-on experience through observation hours at St. Matthew Elementary and Westport Middle. She's also a teaching assistant (TA) in Ms. Kuhns' chemistry class at Waggener, where she's developing her "teacher's voice" and honing her skills in presentation and tutoring.
Looking to the Future
As she approaches graduation, Aundrayah is considering her college options. While leaning towards the University of Louisville, she's also exploring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Regarding her career path, Aundrayah is nearly certain about her future in education. "Going into college, I'm 99.78% sure I want to be a teacher," she states confidently. She's particularly drawn to lower elementary education, possibly kindergarten or first grade. "I love teaching the fundamentals, and it's fun to see the students learn so much every day," she enthuses.
Aundrayah Berry's journey at Waggener High School is a testament to the transformative power of education and self-discovery. From a shy freshman to a confident, passionate aspiring educator, she embodies the spirit of growth and resilience. As she prepares for the next chapter of her life, Aundrayah carries with her the valuable experiences and connections forged through the Academies of Louisville, ready to inspire and educate the next generation of learners.