Mountain Vista Grad Emma Woody Becomes First-Time Author and Hopes to Someday Teach at her Alma Mater
Often students are encouraged to pursue their dreams and interests by teachers who know them best. Emma Woody credits her teachers at Mountain Vista High School for developing her interest in literature and helping her hone her skills as a writer. Emma graduated from Mountain Vista High School in 2021, and she is currently studying English secondary education and creative writing at Colorado State University.
Not only does Emma love her studies, but she’s also published her first book! Not bad for a college sophomore! “My proudest achievement is getting my first book, “Travels,” published. It's something I started in eighth grade, and I'm so excited for people to read it,” says Emma. “Travels” is about time travel, finding your inner strength, facing your greatest adversaries, and finding your true self. “I hope that when people read it, they see the importance of having a strong sense of self and a strong inner circle who will love you unconditionally.” she continues. “Travels” is available online at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Writers Republic.com
Reflecting on her high school years, Emma says, “At Mountain Vista, we had an incredible community of teachers and peers that I will always cherish. I'm so thankful that I got to be a part of it. We had Wish Week every year and that I hold very dearly. Being able to contribute money to help bring joy to suffering kids' lives is so rewarding.”
High school can be a time of discovery. Emma said this is when she learned how badly she wanted a career in writing. “I had phenomenal teachers who taught me so much about their subject and who I am. Madame Nesmith was my French teacher for three years. She quickly became my biggest supporter, cheering me on every time I told her about the book. Mrs. Stech, my AP Literature and Language teacher helped me fall more in love with the subject of English. I aspire to be a teacher just like her. She inspired a section of my book. During class discussions, I would sit with my notebook and write while participating. She never slandered my dreams and always made me excited for class. (Mountain) Vista has always been such an uplifting community. My dad has been a teacher there from the beginning. Vista’s always felt like a second home. I feel so fortunate that I was able to experience the teachers and students on such an emotional level. The high school in my book is modeled after Vista. This school and its people will always have a special place in my heart.”
Emma says she’s honing in on her writing technique to ensure that the books she publishes in the future will be the best they can be while also taking classes to be a great English teacher and give back what was given to me my whole life.
Emma’s dream is to keep writing, never stop and get those books published while teaching. In an ideal world, after graduating from college, she’ll return to DCSD and work at one of the high schools. Hopefully, Mountain Vista, she adds. Emma says, “I want to teach as long as the universe lets me. Most of all, I want to be a beacon of light in people’s lives. Be proof that it can improve and help my students and readers get through those hard things.”