Alumnus hired as in-state Latin teacher despite tough job market
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Courtesy Photo / Renee Mayes
Renee Mayes
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Alumnus Renee Mayes first came to Grand Valley State University because it was a “comfortable place to be.” She stayed to learn the classics, and she left to become one.
One year later, Mayes has made a life for herself teaching in Ann Arbor Public Schools.
“Her decision to return to Michigan is a real vote of confidence in the future of the state,” said Charles Pazdernik, chair of GVSU’s classic department. “She’s a great example of a GVSU student who found her intellectual and vocational passion, who followed that passion and challenged herself in a rigorous program of study during her time here, and ended up having these opportunities and making these choices.”
Joining the classics program, Mayes said, shaped her from being simply an “older kid” to what she describes as a “fully fledged responsible adult.”
“Wrapping your mind around a difficult Latin passage is like forcing your brain to run an agility relay,” she said. “It trains you to contemplate multiple possibilities and consider all your options. Learning to think in this way is valuable no matter what you do in life.”
Shortly after receiving her diploma, Mayes filled out more than 20 applications and received five interviews and three offers across the country. After a year as a teacher in Virginia, Mayes moved back to Michigan to be with her fiance when a teaching position in Ann Arbor Public Schools opened up.
“I wasn’t sure that it was wise to give up full-time work out-of-state for part-time work in state,” Mayes said. “This job, however, was meant to be.”
A week into the school year, Mayes was promoted to full-time by replacing a well-known and “much loved” teacher.
“Latin programs generally live or die by the teacher in charge of them,” she said. “I am committed to keeping this program strong.”
The old economic rule of supply and demand worked in Mayes’ favor, she said. Comparatively, there are few Latin teachers to Latin positions, though higher education, she maintained, was the cardinal force behind her hire.
“I really love teaching, and I’m lucky that I found a career with which I click so nicely,” she said. “I love Latin and I love sharing Latin with students … When they suddenly get a concept, I am as thrilled as when I first had the same light bulb moment.”
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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