Q&A Profile: Stephanie Hjelmstad

By ANNABELA LOPEZ 

The Tower 

MANTECA – Campus life stems from Room 65. 

Inside, photos and artwork cling to the walls and ceiling. The doors swing open and shut as students buzz in and out. They plan and create events for the school. In the back, they’re building props for the school. At times, it’s a place for speech and debate.  

At the middle of this creative tornado is Stephanie Hjelmstad, who teaches Speech and English, and serves as an advisor for Leadership.  

“I think I formulate good relationships with students,” English Stephanie Hjelmstad said, “and that's the reason why I get up every single day is to make a difference in their lives.” 

The Tower caught up with Stephanie Hjelmstad to discuss her role as a teacher on campus and the impact she hopes to have on her students. 

The Tower: What made you take on the role of leadership? 

Stephanie Hjelmstad: I always had a strong desire to be a leadership teacher once I started teaching. I really enjoy the activity part of the job and helping to teach people how to become good leaders. 

TT: What motivates you to continue teaching?  

SH: I just love working with the kids. I feel like I have a great connection with the students that are in the leadership program, and I think that we work really hard, to make high-school fun for other kids, and I want to make sure that our students never lose that element of fun while they’re here. 

TT: Was teaching always a choice, or did you aim for a different job? 

SH: It definitely was what I was always leaning towards, even when I was in college. It took me a bit to try some other things at first, but then I decided to focus on teaching, and English was just my natural tendencies. 

TT: How do you make the classroom environment positive and stable for students?  

SH: I think I'm just a positive person, and so I encourage others to be positive, and I definitely like a lot of connection within the students and within the classroom and just trying to make sure that everyone understands each other and has a good time while they're in there. 

TT: What are things that are awarding to you while being a teacher? 

SH: I just enjoy the students. I enjoy getting to know them and them getting to know me, and I think I formulate good relationships with students, and that's the reason why I get up every single day is to make a difference in their lives.