Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Alisha Holyfield, 6th-Grade Physical Science and Literature Teacher
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 10th year working in Lansing.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: This is my fourth year in the district as 6th grade teacher. This grade level is a lot of fun, and they definitely keep me on my toes. Many of the students are curious and want to learn more about science. It is amazing to me the knowledge my students already have and the questions they ask. I believe my role as their teacher is to inspire a desire to not only learn more about physical science, but also to have fun, to be creative, and to think outside the box.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: One of my favorite parts of teaching is building relationships with students. I want them to know I care and will be there for them even after they finish 6th grade. What I enjoy most about my role as a teacher is being there for my students. I enjoy seeing my students happy about being in my class. However, what matters to me more is when students feel comfortable enough to talk to me about things going on in their lives, when they joke around with me, and when they trust me enough to come to me when they have a problem. When my students know I am there for them, then I know I have done my job right.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I have one kidney. I had a kidney transplant in 2016.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: I don't have one experience that sticks out over the years of teaching. Really, it's all of the small heartwarming experiences that are memorable. For example, yesterday, I saw a 6th grade girl invite another classmate to sit by her when she saw her sitting my herself. Three of my students from last year came to see me at the end of the day today just to give me a hug. A student I had two years ago stopped me in the hall and asked me how I was doing and we talked about what we did over the summer. I will remember the smiles on my students' faces when they made it through their first day of 6th grade. It's the little things.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time cooking, reading, drawing, listening to music, and watching movies. I love doing things outside, and anytime I can be by the water, I am happy.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: I would tell students that their mindset or their attitude is so important. Life is hard. They will struggle and will be challenged at school and in their personal life. How they react to what life throws at them will make all the difference. A positive mindset and willingness to persevere will help them get through those tough times.