Ms. Byrd

By Crystal Carroll

Ms. Byrd and I were standing out in front of the high school during snack, when I began to learn more about her. She is a biology and chemistry teacher who just joined El Segundo High School this year. She became interested when friend, Ms. Moody, informed her about our school. “I think it is absolutely beautiful with very conscientious students,” Ms. Byrd said casually.

The conversation began with small indications about herself. The fact that I was given rather limited information only adds to her mystique. She has an adventurous side, which is evident in her hobbies. As well as participating in individual games such as golf and roller-blading, she competes in triathlons; she has a more adventurous side than what students see in class.

Ms. Byrd also discussed controversial subjects. She touched on quite a few. I asked her if she agreed with Darwin’s Theory of Evolution or divine creation. ” The theory is an idea based on evidence, rather than concrete facts,” She said. “Neither is right or wrong; one is just based on a lot of science research and studies.” She seemed to be very knowledgeable when she was expressing her opinions.

She then went onto other issues, primarily ones about our government in the United States as well as California’s. She gave her opinion about President George Bush Jr., and his helping the environment at the moment. She replied that he is focused elsewhere right now. She also said that the recall election in our state is good, but the candidates are not.

Other science related subjects were brought up as well. For example, she thinks that The Crocodile Hunter and Jeff Corwin, two widely known biologists, are motivationally in the right place. Bringing up issues on cloning, Ms. Byrd said that she believes it is good that they are cloning animals in order to find cures for diseases, but it is not right for them to do it on humans.

Also, if she were ever to be given grant money to do research, she instinctively said that it would be done on genetics.

We began walking back to class, not realizing the tardy bell had already rung. For those of you who are in her class, she would like for you to “learn how to be responsible, organized, accountable, and be able to use knowledge of biology in life.” I even managed to find out that her finals are a mixture of multiple choice and essay form questions. As I walked past her classroom full of students, they shouted that she was really late to class. I hope I did not get her a detention for not being on time!