Every day each student walks into class and sits in their seats as the bell rings. After that, they do assigned activities, and listen to the teacher talk to the class. Many students may not recognize that the person standing in front of them in class may have an important or inspirational story to share. 

It is important for students to see that their teachers are so much more than just a person standing in front of the board. Therefore, the Red and Black will be featuring different teachers by asking them questions that go beyond everyday lesson plans starting with Mrs. Hinchman, an art teacher here at our high school. 

Mrs. Hinchman was asked select questions that go beyond what happens in the classroom, this is what she had to say: 

Q: What courses are you teaching as of now? 

A: I’m teaching studio art and jewelry making. 

Q: When did you start working in the district? 

A: I started working in the district in 2003. 

Q: What is something you make sure to do with all your classes that you believe benefits your students? 

A: I get to know the students beyond only what they are doing in my classroom. 

Q: What are your passions/side hustles outside of being in the teaching profession? 

A: Some of my passions/side hustles are fashion blogging, fashion influencing, being a backstage manager for Time Square Fashion Week and Hamptons Fashion Wheel, I create hat fascinators, and I started creating my own line of clothing. 

Q: What made you want to become an art teacher? 

A: I wanted to be an art teacher to follow my mom’s footsteps as she was also an art teacher.  

Q: What is one word you would use to describe yourself when you were in high school and why? 

A: Compassionate, I would say that I was compassionate because I knew that life happened outside of school. That what was going on outside of school could affect people in school. 

Q: Who is a person in your life that had an impact on you and how did they change you?  

A: My father, David Jolivet. He grew so much as a person and man in his lifetime. He was frustrated with life most of the time, but at the end of his life he allowed himself to accept the good with the bad and maintained calmness. He showed me resiliency and taught me to never give up on who you are and who you want to become.  

Q: What was your intended major when you first got to college, does it reflect what you do now? 

A: Yes, it was a major in education with a minor in art for my bachelor’s degree. My master’s degree was a major in art with a minor in education.  

Q: If you could say one thing to your high school self, what would it be and why?  

A: Pace yourself, you’re in no competition with anyone but yourself.  

Q: What is one word of advice that you want to share with the world? 

A: Just be kind. BE KIND! You never know what someone is going through, and kindness doesn’t cost anything.