Paddle through the stress
BVH teacher Laura Lowery uses paddling as a pastime to distress
Bonita Vista High Geography, Psychology teacher and Peer Counseling advisor Laura Lowrey teaches her fourth period psychology class. Outside of teaching, Lowrey is a part of a paddling club where she can de-stress.
Teachers use different activities outside of school as a relief from their busy work schedules. Some may knit, others may read, but Bonita Vista High (BVH) Geography, Psychology teacher and Peer Counseling advisor Laura Lowery paddles. In finding ways to keep her busy while also staying active, she joined the paddling club, Heart of the Sea Outrigger Canoe Club situated in Mission Bay, in 2018 where she continues to paddle competitively along San Diego beaches.
“I was looking for a club where I can make more friends, be social and physically active. I love [paddling],” Lowery said. “I look forward to going to practice and hanging out with [my teammates] and competing.”
Peer Counseling president and senior Miles Tobitt emphasizes the importance of teachers dedicating their time to more than just their profession. He mentions how it allows teachers to take a step back from school.
“It’s important for students to understand that teachers have lives outside of school. They are not completely centered around the classes they teach, but rather they’ve been through school, they’ve gone to college, and have hobbies and interests outside of their job at school,” Tobitt said.
Hobbies are also a way for teachers to make time in their schedule for their interests. Being a teacher takes BVH Marine Science and Chemistry teacher Kimya Mahzd, who has known Lowery for eight years, shares her perspective on taking a step back from being a teacher.
“As a teacher, it’s easy to think about how a lesson can be done over and over again. Sometimes we need to just turn that part of our brain off so that we can do things for ourselves,” Mahzad said.
Moreover, paddling is an interesting hobby that other teachers are intrigued in. Lowery uses her hobby to connect with people within the BVH community. So, she attempts to bring those who are interested into the community.
“It gives teachers something to talk to me about every once in a while. They’ll say, ‘are you still paddling?’ It’s nice because it’s a good conversation starter,” Lowery said. “[Integrated Math 3, Pre-Calculus, and Precalculus Honor] Marissa Rivera does dragon boat, which is a little bit different from paddling, but I’m going to try to get her to join my team.”
With paddling, Lowery has also taken Mahzad to one of her rowing practices. Although the practice was meant to prepare for their next race, Mahzad shares her welcoming experience from the people at the practice.
“The people [in the Heart of the Sea Outrigger Canoe Club] are very into their sport, but also very accepting for newcomers to join. They throw you right in and tell you what to do and you have to do it. It’s not a leisure paddle, it’s a sport, so you’re getting your exercise in,” Mahzad said.
Racing has taken Lowery to various places. She has raced in many areas including the Colorado River that crosses into the California border and the Alcatraz Island and she hopes to race in Hawaii. During her times while racing in different environments, she further highlights how inviting the club is and the joy within the environment itself.
“A huge part of it [paddling] is the culture and the people. My club in particular is about having the aloha spirit, being inclusive, kind, thinking of others and the [positive environment],” Lowery said. “They make everything fun and it’s a very diverse group of peoples ages, genders and nationalities.
I am a senior at Bonita Vista High and this is my first year on staff. This year, I am one of the photographers for the Crusader. I joined newspaper seeking...
I am a senior at Bonita Vista High and this is my second year as a staff member of the Crusader. Last year, I had a blast being News Editor and I am excited...
