New Hilbert in The Building
Story & Photo by Abby Langle – Editor-in-Chief
The last name Hilbert might sound familiar to you if this is not your first year at Lee’s Summit North. Long-time LSN teacher and Coach Michael Hilbert retired at the end of last school year. Coach Hilbert’s daughter, Hailey Hilbert graduated from Lee’s Summit North in 2014, then went on to graduate from the University of Missouri in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She took that degree and applied it to a teaching career, following in the footsteps of her father. Hilbert spent her first two years of teaching at Lee’s Summit High School before coming over to North this year.
Having something you are passionate about is important and when you find it you want to share it with others. Ms. Hilbert wants to be a help for the students at Lee’s Summit North and be there for them when they need it.
“I decided that I wanted to become a teacher because I have always loved school, and I wanted to work in an environment where people wanted to be kind to each other and help each other succeed. I definitely struggled with my mental health in high school, so I wanted to be there for students who might be feeling similarly to how I did at their age. Also, my parents were both teachers, so it was something that felt familiar,” Hilbert said.
Major experiences and accomplishments can do a lot in shaping someone as they enter the real world, this is especially true for teachers who go on to influence the lives of so many. Graduating high school and college or getting your first job are all very big accomplishments. Ms. Hilbert has done all of those things but believes that studying abroad was her biggest accomplishment of them all.
“None of my friends or family members had ever done anything like that before, and I didn’t know anyone at the university that I went to in England. I’m proud of myself for doing something out of my comfort zone, making amazing memories, and becoming more independent in the process,” Hilbert said.
Hilbert has made many memories the last few years at LSHS and inspired many students, but home called when she decided to go back to her roots and become a Bronco again. In just her short time back she is already getting involved around the school, just like her father was.
“I chose to come teach at LSN because lots of my former teachers still teach here, and it felt like a welcoming, friendly place to work and teach. I’m a co-sponsor of the Youth in Government club, and I work the gates at different sporting events so that I can see some of my students doing what they love,” Hilbert said.
When you are a teacher your students become your kids and you want them to succeed and be the best version of themselves. Ms. Hilbert is excited to get to know her students here and help navigate them through their four years of high school.
“My favorite thing about being a teacher is getting to know students and see their creativity and excitement. I love laughing with my students and getting to talk to them person-to-person rather than teacher-to-student; I definitely don’t have all the answers to life’s questions, so I like showing that teachers are just people too,” Hilbert said
As a teacher, Ms. Hilbert, like all teachers, is a person that people come to for help, guidance, and support. That being said, teachers need that too, especially ones new to the school. Since Ms. Hilbert went to Lee’s Summit North she knows many teachers still here that she looks up to. Mrs. Hollingsworth is one of those that she says she admires and looks up to.
“I never had her as a teacher when I went to LSN [Mrs. Hollingsworth], but she was my freshman volleyball coach, and we have kept in touch since I graduated from LSN. I admire Mrs. Hollingsworth as both a teacher and a person because she is incredibly genuine and kind. She treats everyone like they are her friend, and is a great listener. I aspire to be the kind of person that does not judge anyone, and makes everyone feel important just like she does,” Hilbert said.
Beyond mentors, it makes your job even more fun whenever you get to work with your best friend. Coming to a new job can be scary but being close friends with people at your work can make you a little less nervous.
“Ms. Brewster is my best friend and I have known her since we were five years old! It’s really fun getting to work with my bff and see her every single day,” Hilbert said.
In just a short time Ms. Hilbert has made an impact on the LSN community and students and staff alike know she will be a great addition. Her past at North, kind-hearted nature, and passion for helping others are sure to make her another one of LSN’s great teachers.