The traditions we always talk about as educators and coaches, the family mentality we try to instill in our players and students: well, I lived it. Nanticoke, the teachers, the students, my teammates, everyone just embraced me when I moved here in 9th grade, and years later, after being a multi-sport athlete, coaching was a must for me. Continuing the tradition of Nanticoke sports…there’s nothing like it; it’s really special to me. I like to think that I am a positive role model for our students and our athletes, so influencing them outside of the classroom is something I really value and love doing.
I coached girls’ basketball for five seasons: we won some championships and lost some, but both were special to me. No one “wants” to lose, and you’re probably wondering why I said that I valued those losses: it’s because in those low moments, you surprise yourself, and I think it’s important for our athletes to understand that losses are going to happen, and that properly handling those losses is equally as important as celebrating the wins. Teaching athletes this at young ages sets them up for success in the future. That’s why coaching is such a joy—it always goes beyond athletic ability.
I love being a GNA teacher. For me, my job as a teacher goes beyond teaching academics. Of course, teaching my students academia and curriculum are top priorities, but that’s not all that goes on in our kindergarten classroom. When my students walk in, I want them to feel the positive energy they need to want to be in school and make a difference. Every day, I try to instill that sense of GNA family and create a learning environment where students feel respected, excited to learn, eager to be curious, grow into little independent thinkers, and have a love for school. Every day is a new adventure in the classroom, and getting to hang out with and influence 25 of my little besties is my favorite thing to do!
I wish everyone had the opportunity to come into the classrooms and see the day to day, just so they could see how awesome our staff at GNA truly is. I see on a daily basis how hard our staff works to make the best positive learning experience for our students, and that sometimes goes unnoticed. I think whether you’re originally from Nanticoke or not, once you are here, it becomes home. And as you move on to whatever endeavors you decide, one thing remains the same: TROJAN PRIDE NEVER DIES!
Jennifer Harnichfeger Olzinski, 2010
Kindergarten Teacher, Greater Nanticoke Area School District
