CMR math teacher Leann Williams never had the most profound or breathtaking high school experience. She was an avid student and participated in almost all activities her school offered. But Williams never expected what a recommendation from her calculus teacher at Fort Benton High School during her senior year would bring. 

“When I was in calculus, my teacher said, ‘You’re good at math. You should be a math teacher,’” Williams said. From that point onward, Williams set out on a path to support and educate younger minds, and to truly shape perspectives. 

“[In high school] I learned responsibility, respect, being reliable, and that there are other ways to impact the people around you,” she said. Williams enjoyed high school overall. She participated in tennis, volleyball, cheer, and speech and debate. However, for Williams, it always came back to the aspect of looking out for others, and of course, math. 

“Math has always come easy for me, writing as well. I loved to write,” she said. 

Williams expanded more on the personal factor of high school and her personal feelings. 

“People remember what you do, (…) and [with] regrets, I didn’t really have any. I saw how it affected me, and I just look forward. (…) but there was always the peer pressure, like the  pressure to drink,” Williams said. 

Today, Williams enjoys building relationships with students at CMR. She said it complements her skills as a math teacher. 

“Those were always my favorite students to teach, the ones who ask for help, that’s where I can impact the most. (…) the ones that make that connection, that are trying to understand, that’s the sweet spot for me,” she said.

It’s clear that Williams’ high school experience shaped the caring, thoughtful educator she is today. She is thankful for her time in high school and encourages struggling students to ask for help.