worthwhile .”
Beyond the classroom Mullins has been involved with several extra curriculars to support and enrich her students from the environmental club , student council and beta club to creative projects like skits and dances .
“ Thankfully this past school year there were still some effects with COVID and restrictions , but things got to be pretty normal ,” said Mullins . “ I ’ m hopeful for the kids that it continues to be the case .”
Throughout her seven years of teaching , her students have made her more hopeful for the future as she has seen them go out in the real world after graduation determined to change the world .
“ It ’ s certainly easy to look out at what ’ s happening in the real world and feel like everything is falling apart , but I know that most kids are just good people who want to go out and make the world a better place ,” said Mullins . “ It makes me hopeful because while teenagers get a bad rap , on the whole they are just really inspiring . I hope they have been inspired in my class and other classes too .”
To those young aspiring educators in her community , Mullins said to remember , even on the hard days , what the calling to teach is all about but to also continue to advocate for what teachers deserve .
“ We should remember our ‘ why ’ and that we are here for the students but also that we are worth fighting for and for getting what we deserve for our job ,” said Mullins . “ At the state and federal level there is still a lot of change that needs to happen .”
Somerset has been a home and community for Mullins through her entire life . Rodney McAninch , who was once her teacher , has been her principal at PCHS for the past seven years and is someone she has continued to learn from in her career as well . She hopes to positively influence future generations in a similar way .
“ I love being from Somerset . It ’ s nice to be back here and be a part of helping to build up our community and hopefully help people just continue to want to come back and make it an even better place ,” said Mullins .
18 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky august 2022