Ms. Lisa Taylor is a Middle School English teacher at Passaic Preparatory Academy. One thing you would find interesting about her is that originally she didn’t want to become a teacher. When she graduated high school, she majored in veterinary medicine and later switched to education. She’s happy with how her plans turned out. 

Some things that keep her motivated to keep working hard are her parents, her husband, and her son. They are always rooting for her. She continues to work hard and gives back what she can to show them thanks. 

The Boulevard Online asked Ms. Taylor to answer a few questions.

 

The Boulevard Online: What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

Ms. Taylor: I think the students of Passaic Prep would be surprised to find out that I didn’t always want to be a teacher! When I graduated high school and went to college my first major was veterinary medicine. Since I was little I 100% thought I was going to be a veterinarian. I went away to a school in Pennsylvania for my first year of college and everything, only to find out I am better off as an animal lover. Long story short, I changed my mind, came home to N.J., went to Montclair State, and majored in education. I am very happy where I am right now and I am glad that my plans took a turn. 

 

TBO: What makes you laugh the most?

Ms. Taylor: At the moment what makes me laugh the most is my son. He is so silly! He turned 4 in December and his personality is definitely starting to come through. He just started getting into telling jokes and sometimes they are so bizarre that it is really hard not to laugh. 

 

TBO: If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?

Ms. Taylor: If I could go back in time to change one thing, I actually wouldn’t. I believe everything happens for a reason and if I were to go back and change something I wouldn’t be where I am today. The only thing I can do is to learn from my mistakes and do better the next time. 

 

TBO: What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

Ms. Taylor: The three items I would take with me to a deserted island would be:

1. Tons of sunblock – I burn!! 
2. A bunch of books to read. 
3. A boat… is that cheating? 

 

TBO: What motivates you to work hard?

Ms. Taylor: My family motivates me to work hard and keep going. My parents, my husband, and my son are always there for me rooting for me to do my best. They support me in everything I do and are constantly pushing me to be better. Knowing how hard my parents worked to provide for me pushed me to work harder growing up, and now I continue to work hard to try and give back what I can to show them thanks. My husband and son motivate me daily to be better and I strive to be a positive role model for my son by working hard and doing my best. 

 

TBO: If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Ms. Taylor: If I could share a meal with any 4 individuals living or dead, they would be: 

1. My grandfather. He passed away during the pandemic so I didn’t get to spend as much time with him as I usually used to. It would be nice to see him again.
2. Chris Hemsworth. I mean, who doesn’t love Thor?!
3. Amanda Gorman. She is young and inspirational, I would like to be able to talk with her and see how I can ignite passion within my own students. 
4. Ruth B. I love her voice, she could just sing the entire time and it would make me happy.

 

TBO: What songs take you back to your teen years?

Ms. Taylor: Not going to lie, I had to look some up, and then I couldn’t choose! A few songs that take me back to my high school years are: 

• Lose Yourself – Eminem
• Bring Me To Life – Evanescence
• Yeah! – Usher
• Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Green Day

 

TBO: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Ms. Taylor: Either be able to play another instrument or to learn a new language. I currently know how to play the flute, but have always wanted to play the piano, guitar, or drums. Maybe I should see Ms. Godavanik for some piano lessons! I would also love to learn to speak Spanish and Polish fluently, I only know a few words and phrases and can understand more than I can actually speak at the moment. I’m still attempting to learn though!

 

TBO: What is something you learned last week?

Ms. Taylor: Something I learned last week (maybe more like three weeks ago) was that I can group my tabs on Google (Don’t worry, my students already told me I am late to the party on this one). Last week I also learned that I can schedule breakout rooms ahead of time on Google Meet, BUT it is not very user-friendly and I probably won’t use it much. 

 

TBO: What piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Ms. Taylor: Always be yourself, no matter what. It is important to be true to yourself and do things that make you happy and confident. Sometimes you get caught up in making other people happy, but what matters most is what makes YOU happy. Find out what you enjoy doing and put your heart and soul into it. It doesn’t matter what others think, it is your life to live. “Life is too short to worry about what others say about you. Have fun and give them something to talk about.” — Kevin Hart

 

Thank you, Ms. Taylor!