This year, the HSMSE community welcomed many new teachers, one of them being Frau (Ms.) Davidson, who teaches German. Frau Davidson also helps our freshmen navigate the transition into high school life by leading a Freshman Academy class. The HSMSE community will now be able to discover some interesting details about Frau Davidson’s life that people might have been wondering about!

Stephanie Torres: Where do you come from? What was it like living there?

Lauren Davidson: I’m originally from a town in North Alabama called Madison. Many people are more familiar with its sister city, Huntsville, home to the Space & Rocket Center. Growing up in Alabama meant that there wasn’t much going on. I was raised in the suburbs, so the most popular after-school activity to do with friends was to visit Sonic and sit in the Walmart parking lot. I have a great appreciation for the natural beauty of Alabama. If you’re the outdoorsy type, it’s worth a visit! I would often go fishing and camping with my dad. There were many opportunities for birding and other wildlife studies. 

ST: Why did you want to teach at HSMSE and how did you find out about it?

LD: I had been searching for German teaching jobs in New York for about one and a half years before I had an opportunity to do a demo lesson for HSMSE. To be honest, the German teaching field is pretty niche, so I had difficulty finding schools that offered German, much less that needed a new German teacher. By chance, I saw a post by our own Dr. Malikova advertising that HSMSE would be needing a new teacher. We got in touch, arranged a demo lesson, and just like that, I knew I had to teach here. My first impression of the students was amazing. Even at the very end of the school year, when they were totally burnt out, they were willing to participate in my demo! I found that so kind and thoughtful. In addition to my great experience with the demo lesson, I also admired how much HSMSE values their German program and that they designate it as the school’s core language.

ST: What are you liking about HSMSE so far?

LD: I love my students! Just like I had experienced when I came for my demo lesson, my students are kind, smart and thoughtful. They see their teachers in a different way than kids at other schools do. I think they have an awareness that many high school-aged students lack. They know what lies ahead of them in four years and what they expect of themselves. I think it gives them the ability to see their teachers as real people with outside lives. And in that way, they have more appreciation for their teachers. 

ST: How would you describe yourself?

LD: I would describe myself as kind and funny. I can be shy outside of work, but as a teacher, I’m social and outgoing. I think [I sometimes worry] constantly about my loved ones and I value spending time with them the most. 

ST: How do you like New York so far and what do you like to do here?

LD: New York is amazing so far. I love having things to do, and even if I just want to go on a stroll outside, I’ll see something weird and off-putting. My favorite thing about moving to the city is that I don’t have to drive! There is always something to do, and I am happy to be surrounded by like minded people. I also love spending a Saturday in Flushing, trying all of the delicious food there, and playing at Gatcha [an arcade in Tangram mall located in Flushing, Queens]. 

ST: What are your hobbies?

LD: I love figure skating at Chelsea Piers; I go to skating class every Wednesday! I started figure skating in the first grade and loved to compete and participate in the annual Nutcracker on Ice performance that my rink held. I also enjoy dancing, which I started at three years old. If I’m staying in, I’ll do crafts like painting or embroidery or watch some TV. My favorite TV show right now is Best in Miniatures. It’s like the Great British Bake Off but for Canadians who make things in 1/12 scale [people on the show make miniature furniture]—highly recommend. I have my mom to thank for the discovery of many of my hobbies, she always encouraged me to try new things.

ST: Why did you choose to teach German?

LD: When it came time to pick a language in high school, I initially wanted to take Latin. At the time, I thought I would go to med school to become a dermatologist. To my dismay, the Latin class was full. The decision was looming, but I had heard from friends that the German teacher was really fun, so I decided to sign up for German instead. I ended up loving not only the language but, more than anything, my teacher and the environment she created. I found her joy of teaching so inspiring that it influenced me to become a German teacher myself!

ST: How do you inspire your students in your classes?

LD: Um, I would say I try to make class fun. I try to be understanding to my students. I hope that they find German interesting, like I do, and I try to point out what I thought was very cool when I was their age.

Hopefully this interview satisfied your curiosities on Frau Davidson’s life. The HSMSE community welcomes her with open arms and we know she will continue to bring more light to our school community. Thank you to Frau Davidson for allowing me to interview you, and I hope you continue to enjoy teaching at HSMSE!