AHS hosts an eclectic mix of students. Accordingly, students here hold a variety of jobs that satisfy their particular interests. Below are stories from two of them:
Deborah Aderton, senior (dance instructor)
Q: What is your job?
A: I am employed by Children of the Light Dancers (COTLD), a non-profit Christian dance group. I work every Friday for an hour and a half as a dance instructor for 5th and 6th graders. This past school year I have been promoted to work as an administrator for the high school dance group. This entails organizing our dance programs, finding and booking venues, and heading up the core leadership team of 8 dancers.
Q: When did you start teaching dance?
A: I was first invited to serve as an apprentice to my dance teacher in 6th grade. I began teaching dance in 8th grade. Ever since then I have been working with kids and I know somehow I will find a way to dance and work with kids in my future!
Q: What does an average dance class look like?
A: Each dance class has half an hour of technique with bar, across the floor, and dance conditioning components. The next half hour is devoted to teaching choreography. This choreography is performed in places like the National Christmas Tree, churches, and nursing homes. Finally, the last half hour is a time for me to mentor and pour love into my dancers. This year we have been going through a Bible Study on what it means to be God’s son or daughter.
Q: How do you balance school and work?
A: A big difference between my job and other jobs is that I cannot just show up for my shift. I have to prepare lessons, choreograph dances, and coordinate dance programs. A lot of my time and energy has to be devoted to dance. But, I am fortunate to only work on Friday. I usually make my dance plans on Saturday and choreograph on Thursdays.
Q: What makes your job special?
A: I am thankful that I do not have to work to provide for my family. I am blessed to be able to work because dance and teaching are my two of my passions. This creative outlet has led to a deeper understanding of myself and a longing to make an impact on the future generation.
Q: What have I gained from working with COTLD?
A: I have learned a lot about meeting expectations, deadlines, and planning. I have seen my communication skills grow as well as my ability to relate with kids. My dancers give me joy and renewed energy as they laugh at my not so funny jokes and learn new dance moves. However, the deepest impact dance has had on my life is learning how to express myself. I use dance to fully express my love for God using my whole body and heart. I do not dance to perform, but I dance to inspire. Through teaching, I can pass on this mindset of magnification and not self glorification.
Tom Updike, senior (music instructor)
Q: Why do you work?
A: I work because otherwise I wouldn’t have enough money to go out with friends.
Q: Why did you choose to work as a music instructor?
A: I enjoy working with kids, and music is something I’m very good at.
Q: How often do you work?
A: I teach hour long lessons, and normally I have anywhere from five to eight lessons a week.
Q: What are your hours?
A: Most of my lessons are on weekends, but it changes depending on the student’s schedule.
Q: How do you balance work and school?
A: It isn’t that difficult to balance both, because I don’t work that much and I’m a second semester senior.
Q: How long have you been working in this position? How much longer do you plan on staying in the position?
A: I’ve been giving music lessons since the beginning of last summer, and I’m planning on continuing until I go off to college next year. I might even continue in college, if I can find the students.
Q: What do you do in this role?
A: I give hour long lessons to young children (most aged 8-10) in piano, guitar, and saxophone. Most are at the beginning level.
