WHO LIKES TO SHOUT “ROLL TIDE”AT SLAS?
BY JENNIFER JIANG
It has been such an honor to interview Ms. Dina
Thigpen, one of the most dedicated teachers at SLAS.
Ms. Dina originally comes from Alabama, United States,
and had previously worked in a local high school in her
hometown before she came to China. In addition, Ms.
Dina is a life-long Alabama football fan – you can often
hear her shouting “Roll tide!” when she is cheering for
her house during the house games. To learn more
about Ms. Dina, please keep reading!
Jiang: What are some suggestions that you would
like to give to your students?
Ms. Dina: I want to remind my students to stay
motivated and on task during the school year. In
addition, I would like to see my students to be more
confident in asking and answering questions in class
as well as taking more time to complete quality work
for higher grade.
Jiang: What are some books that your students are
Jiang: How long have you been in Shanghai?
currently reading in class?
Ms. Dina: I have been living in Shanghai for about five Ms. Dina: We are currently reading “The Awakening”
years since I left the United States.
by Kate Chopin and “The Rag and the Bone Shop” by
Robert Comier in class. “The Awakening” provides an
Jiang: Why did you decide to be a teacher?
insight to the social life of women in the United States
Ms. Dina: I wanted to be a teacher because I want to during the late 1800s while the “The Rag and the Bone
give back to my community while still having my own Shop” talks about a murder mystery in the modern
leisure time to learn more things about the world. I environment.
believe that people need to keep on educating
themselves in order to become a sophisticated and Jiang: What do you like to do during your free time?
accomplished individual.
Ms. Dina: I usually read and watch movies when I am
free on weekends. My favorite author is called Eric J.
Jiang: What are some things that you like about Dickey and I like all of his publications. But most
SLAS?
importantly, I always cheer for the Alabama football
Ms. Dina: I like the fact the most students in SLAS are team every Sunday morning because I am a huge
interested in learning in contrast to the students who football fan and I love the football team from my state!
I taught back in America before. Also, I am glad that I
am able to learn from many cultures and gain more Jiang: Do you have a dream job?
knowledge as I discuss with my multicultural students Ms. Dina: My dream job is to become a dancer since I
in class.
love to exercise. Additionally, being a dancer allows me
to communicate to others using body language, which
is something I’d love to experiment on.
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