In a world where personal politics flood everyday life, it’s common for some to choose to keep their values private. However, personal silence does not necessarily free one from rumors and gossip. One teacher specifically has been caught in the hearsay bonfire almost her entire time at Davie.

Educating is not easy by any means, but for a science teacher like Robin Seamon, being an educator gets tougher as propaganda enters the classroom. Due to Seamon’s desire to keep her personal life private, whispers of sacrilegious behavior persisted from surrounding students, even from students who have never met her. 

“I have had bloody crosses appear on my desk some semesters because I teach the Big Bang and evolution,” Seamon says.

Beyond her emphasis on teaching her content’s core curriculum, Seamon also recognizes that her class and her teaching style have been criticized by some students. She believes, though, that the procedures and expectations she has are fairly presented and equitable.

“I treat every student with the same expectations,” Seamon says. “If anyone needs extra help or would like to chat outside of class, I am more than willing to be there.”

Seamon’s desire to provide this support for students stems from a difficult childhood,  a time when she often felt alone.

“Praise and encouragement did not flow from my home,” Seamon says. When reflecting on her upbringing, she says that most who come from abusive homes keep to themselves.

Unfortunately, Seamon is correct about this phenomenon. According to McLean Hospital, children who have faced abuse in childhood often isolate themselves to hide the abuse from those around them. Children who are experiencing emotional distress often resort to avoidant behavior to cope. 

She describes how while she was facing her own challenges at home, the way that her school treated everyone equally was comforting.

“You knew what to expect from grownups at school as long as you followed the school rules. And as the rules seemed pretty basic, that was safe and extremely attractive to me.” 

Despite the rejection she has faced from some of her students, Seamon stresses that she cares about every student as an individual. Her belief stands that school should be a safe place for everyone just as it was for her. It was the positive interaction with adults and the consistency that school provided that inspired her to take up the teaching profession.

It’s easy to take what is likable and less favorable about oneself and push it onto the people in life who are seen as ideal. However, one’s politics, religion, and morals do not define the people around them. Being quick to judge is only human, but it’s most important to remember that the people being perceived are still people.

Robin Seamon left a word of advice and insight to those still learning, who may or may not experience similar circumstances to hers. 

“I’ve come to recognize that the most important thing in life is being able to love yourself,” Seamon says. “When you accept and genuinely respect yourself, you can share love honestly with others. I believe in the acceptance of other people and the freedom of each individual to search for the true meaning in life. Finally, I believe in the interdependence of all living things on this planet. By understanding where we fit into this interconnected web of existence, we recognize the part we play in it and most importantly, we discover that our world is beautiful and we’re far from being alone.”