Southwest Airlines Does More than Flying!
Our Community Partner - Southwest Airlines - has an incredible Community Affairs & Grassroots Regional Leader. Her name is Ana Schwager. She has visited Oliver Middle twice this year. She always brings positive energy and knows how to engage middle schoolers!!
First visit --
Jeff and Tanya Watson (Pilot and Flight Attendant). Tacha is a Station Administrator. They all enlightened our Scholars. They were there to talk about careers in the airline industry.
7th and 8th grade students played games and answered questions based on the information presented. One more time, engaging them and making them think.
One of the students asked:
How is the airline industry related to STEM?
ANSWER: A majority of our jobs require knowledge and expertise in STEM. For starters: Maintenance- aircraft mechanics, engineers, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, designer, digital designer, customer service and many more. The key of success is being a dedicated student and committed to building a meaningful future.
In the coming years, we hope to see our Scholars going thru the employment process with Southwest Airlines, fulfilling all the requirements, because STEM has been a part of their education.
A proud teacher I am.
The second visit --
The dynamics were very different and as meaningful. Again, thanks to Ana Schwager, a 93 year old icon of Nashville stepped foot in the classroom.
Why? Because he has an important message to share.
Why? Because our students related to him once he started sharing his stories.
Why? Because bringing together two extremes - generation wise - it is always meaningful for our Scholars (academics, equity and diversity and social emotional learning).
Mr. Lee Estes celebrated his 93rd birthday on March 9. Our 5th grade students made birthday cards for him (it was Anna's idea to make sure he received 93 cards from all over the country!). It was endearing to see them create something special for someone they had never met before.
Mr. Estes' advice:
"Today's generation is so different. Technology is hurting the mind of our youth. It is making it very difficult to build leadership. I have hope for the future and I know young students like you are an exception."
VIDEO:
Here’s the fun story of how he landed on the silo.
Thank you Anna.
Thank you Mr. Estes.
Thank you Southwest Airlines.
You are helping us build community. And reaffirming every day is a new day for learning.
