FHS has had teachers come and go, but some dedicate everything to building us up and helping us believe we can make a difference. News spreads fast here, sometimes too fast, so when Ms. Hagan resigned, everyone was talking. We reached out to her so she could share her story in her own words.
Question: What inspired you to pursue this career?
Answer: My mother was an English teacher in Macon County, and she also liked to draw and paint. I enjoyed watching her draw, and the reaction of her students to her artwork. When I was young, I also had a neighbor who was an artist… Her artwork wasn’t about perfection but it captured the essence of the subject matter. This really sparked my imagination. By the time I was a student at MMS, several teachers had me and a friend designing and creating their bulletin boards. Around the age of 12, I entered a poster contest and won 1st place, which boosted my self-confidence. Upon graduating from FHS, I tried to think about what I had enjoyed most in school. Although I didn’t have much formal art training, I always enjoyed it. When I looked at the courses I needed for Art Education, they appealed to me because I liked to learn different visual art forms such as pottery, painting, photography and sculpture. I loved all of them and still enjoy learning new ways to express myself.
Q: What was your favorite part about teaching?
A: You can’t narrow teaching down to one thing you love most, but I enjoy being able to help students see things in a new perspective. My license plate is “WABISABI,” referencing the beauty in imperfection. This applies to people and the art they create. When students let go of trying to be perfect, they can relax, be present, and appreciate the imperfect parts of themselves and others.
Q: Biggest accomplishment or most memorable moment as a teacher?
A: I would say my biggest accomplishment as an Art Instructor in Macon County is continuing the Annual Macon County Student Art Show each Spring. The teacher who started it retired, and I felt it was important to continue the tradition with the help of all the MC art teachers. This Spring will be the 14th Annual Show. We also added a second Spring show in March for Youth Art Month (YAM) in cooperation with the Macon County Art Association. Carol Conti has helped greatly in creating a bridge with Macon County’s adult art community.
Q: Advice for students?
A: My advice to HS students is to go into a field of study that captures your interest and helps you grow as a human being. Also, consider what type of work environment would best suit your personality & character traits… Try to imagine your life in that profession. Research the job market with an understanding that AI cannot take over every highly physical/hands-on profession anytime soon. Remember to feed your spirit and not just your mind & body.
Q: What will you miss most about teaching?
A: Besides all the smiles of friends & colleagues, I will miss the FHS students. Being around young adults & teens is a lot of fun and keeps you on your toes. I have enjoyed sharing my passion for art, pottery, family and faith, and learning what students are passionate about. Being able to teach in the community where I was raised has been such a blessing. Leaving will be bittersweet. Life is full of changes and the time feels right for this one.
To get a student’s perspective on Ms. Hagan’s impact, we also spoke with senior art student, Zoie Rodgers.
Q: Why did you choose any of the art classes?
A: I chose to take art because I wanted to expand my artistic knowledge. I also aspired to be the best artist I can be and I knew I wouldn’t reach that goal if I didn’t take every art opportunity I could.
Q: Your personal favorite thing about Ms. Hagan’s class?
A: My favorite thing about Ms. Hagan’s class is the wide variety of art forms she teaches. She’s always teaching interesting forms of art which range from pottery to watercolors to even photography.
Q: How has Ms. Hagan changed you throughout your school year?
A: Ms. Hagan has inspired me to keep working hard and to push myself even if I don’t want to. She’s always wanted me to be the best I can be and I appreciate that.
