The Student Becomes the Teacher

West Ashley High School senior Savannah Watson was excited and surprised when she found out she was named the West Of Student of the Month. “Savannah flies under the radar, but is an outstanding student and overall great kid,” says history teacher Sam Meade. “Savannah Watson is a hardworking student who thrives on doing her very best and giving 100 percent effort in her academic studies,” says English teacher Sandra Canon.
Academics is Watson’s strong suite; she actually enjoys all of her classes. “They all have their own benefits and have something important to life even if it doesn’t feel like they do,” says Watson. Her success in the classroom helped her accomplish one of her biggest goals: being inducted into National Honor Society.
According to Watson, branching out and talking to new people is one of her weaknesses. But, even though she’s shy, she still participates in the Creative Writing Club. Writing is not her only way of expressing herself, she also enjoys listening to music and painting. Her favorite song is “Something (in the way she moves)” by the Beatles because it’s romantic and also open for interpretation.
Watson really admires her parents. “They always seem to know what to do, even if it’s not what I want to hear,” she says. “They’ve both had really bad things that they’ve had to overcome.” She finds their resilience and positive attitudes impressive and motivational.
Unlike most students, Watson’s favorite part about high school is the teachers. “They have been awesome,” says Watson. “They always seem to care and go out of their way to ensure all kids are taken care of.”
Just as her teachers helped her, Watson has helped others. “I like to help people in my class,” says Watson. “Her love for learning and reading shines through beyond West Ashley High School,” says Cannon.  Watson volunteers as a reading tutor at Sanders Clyde Elementary School.  “It’s really important to see how you affect other people and how people need your help,” says Watson.
It was through volunteer tutoring that Watson discovered her passion and future aspiration: teaching. She now wants to study Early Childhood Education and become a Literacy Coach. When she graduates in less than two months, she plans to attend Coastal Carolina because it is close to home and is well known for its teaching program.
In 10 years, Watson sees herself thanking her parents for all the things that they did for her. “It’s easy to thank your teachers, but sometimes it’s harder to remember your parents,” she says.