Marshak and Melton: Friends at first sight
Photo courtesy of: Olivia Wetzel
Junior Bayley Melton (left) and Elizabeth Marshak pose in the classroom.
March 16, 2022
While some students and staff have needed time to adjust to the return of in-person relationships at school, two particular people had a quick connection. Math teacher Elizabeth Marshak describes the first time meeting junior Bayley Melton as an “immediate draw.”
“We became close when I started her class this year, and we both just got along quickly,” Melton said.
Along with a great sense of humor, the two share a quality of joy in both teaching and learning.
“That tenacity and joy is definitely something we share. Nothing gives me more joy in the classroom than watching my students understand a new topic,” Marshak said.
Not only does Marshak experience joy watching her students understand a new topic, but the students felt it too when understanding the material. Melton felt a sense of confidence and comfort with going up in front of the class to help teach a lesson she understood.
“Earlier in the year, one topic was a bit challenging, but Bayley was so proud that she understood it, she came up to the board and taught the rest of the lesson for me,” Marshak said.
Many students looked forward to learning in a classroom while interacting with their teachers and peers this year; however, not all students feel this level of comfort and connection with their teachers. Multiple students of all grade levels, including Melton, have described Marshak as an “enlightening educator” due to her engaging demeanor.
“Being in school has helped with social connections and just being able to interact with people every day, especially with Mrs. Marshak,” Melton said.
Since many students face major learning gaps this year, Marshak urges teachers to practice both grace and patience to get back into the swing of things. Marshak also thinks it’s important that her students see that educators like herself are still adapting and recreating their teaching style.
“It’s a long time to be out of a traditional classroom. If we just put on a happy face and pretend that everything is back to normal, the students will think that they’re alone in readjusting to school life,” Marshak said.
But it’s not all academics between Melton and Marshak. “Sisterly” is how Marshak would describe their relationship. Both of them describe their conversations as very humorous. When not chatting about shopping, they talk about their days, and the conversation usually ends with tons of laughter.
“There’s definitely a teasing sort of bond between us that reminds me of the way my sister and I pick on each other. It’s all said with love. However, Bayley definitely has a more expensive taste,” Marshak said.
The relationship between Bayley and Mrs. Marshak is something that many hope for during their high school career. The friendship shared between them is just one of many here at Deep Run that makes us stronger.