Teacher Spotlight: HS Latin Teacher Julianna Lewis '14
High School Counselor Latricia Watkins recently interviewed High School Latin Teacher Julianna Lewis '14 for a look at how Lewis practices self-care and prioritizes mental health.
This interview was originally published in Watkins' quarterly newsletter for High School students aimed at providing them with mental health and counseling support.
This interview was originally published in Watkins' quarterly newsletter for High School students aimed at providing them with mental health and counseling support.
By Latricia Watkins, HS Counselor
Q: Tell us your name, the subject you teach, and any groups or clubs you sponsor.
A: My name is Julianna Lewis, I teach Latin (all levels), and I sponsor USN's chapter of the Junior Classical League. I'm also the sponsor of the Cabbage Club.
A: My name is Julianna Lewis, I teach Latin (all levels), and I sponsor USN's chapter of the Junior Classical League. I'm also the sponsor of the Cabbage Club.
Q: Would you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert?
A: I am absolutely an introvert. I put on a good mask for teaching, but I definitely recharge by spending time by myself (or with my dog).
Q: What helps you manage your stress levels?
A: I am very into making time throughout the day for small acts of self-care, such as reading a chapter of my book or just doing a few breathing exercises. Doing self-care in small portions helps me maintain my calm and be ready to be my best for every student. I also make sure I get exercise every day, usually by taking my dog on a walk after school.
Q: How do you make time for yourself week to week?
A: I've been taking art classes on the weekends, and just making sure I get out and about with my dog (getting that vitamin D) is really helpful. I've challenged myself to read 75 books this year outside of school, and so I try to make time that's just for reading and relaxing. My family lives in town as well, so I try to see them at least once or twice a week.
Q: If you could add something to your self-care routine that you aren't currently practicing, what would that be?
A: I'd love to start doing a sport again, like swimming or running. It's a great way to make friends and stay in shape.
Q: Do you have a special tradition that you share with family or friends?
A: My family is all about pie. Whenever we get together, we always have more pies than people. It's from my dad's side of the family — they have a saying: "All pie is good pie. Some pie is better than other pie, but all pie is good pie!" We usually have at least apple, pumpkin, and strawberry-rhubarb pie at our family gatherings. It's a treat.
Q: If you had to choose a beach trip or cabin/ski trip which would you choose?
A: Absolutely a beach trip. I don't know how to ski (although I suppose I could learn), but I'd love to just have some time to relax and walk on the beach and collect seashells. I've never been to a beach where the water is super clear and calm, and I think that would be an awesome experience.
Q: Do you have a special tradition that you share with family or friends?
A: My family is all about pie. Whenever we get together, we always have more pies than people. It's from my dad's side of the family — they have a saying: "All pie is good pie. Some pie is better than other pie, but all pie is good pie!" We usually have at least apple, pumpkin, and strawberry-rhubarb pie at our family gatherings. It's a treat.
Q: If you had to choose a beach trip or cabin/ski trip which would you choose?
A: Absolutely a beach trip. I don't know how to ski (although I suppose I could learn), but I'd love to just have some time to relax and walk on the beach and collect seashells. I've never been to a beach where the water is super clear and calm, and I think that would be an awesome experience.
Q: What advice would you give to a student that is worried about their mental health state?
A: I'd tell them to do two things: first, find someone they trust to talk to about what's worrying them (like a friend, parent, teacher, or other awesome person in their life); and also, slow down and make sure they're really focusing on self-care, even if it's really simple stuff like thinking about a healthy sleep schedule, or nutrition. At a school like USN, it's easy to get caught up in the anxiety and stress that all of your peers and friends are feeling, and it's important to take some time to make sure you're taking care of your physical health and the other things that can easily fall by the wayside.
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.