Haila Harvey, a retired special education teacher, shares advice on becoming a teacher along with her experience as a student at Winthrop during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
As a student at Winthrop, Harvey majored in special education. Since the Withers Building was being remodeled, the education classes were held at Oakland Avenue Baptist Church, a church close to campus.
“My final education classes were my favorite. We held those classes at a local church, and all the education majors were able to spend time together and form lifelong friendships,” Harvey said.
After graduating from Winthrop in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in special education, Harvey retired after teaching for 28 years. As a result of Winthrop’s top-tier education program, she was hired by a local district right after graduating.
“I would recommend Winthrop because of the superior, comprehensive education and training they give those who are working towards becoming teachers. I highly recommend Winthrop for their teacher training,” Harvey said.
In regard to teaching, Harvey said, “Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers for people who are interested in helping others and making a difference in the world,” Harvey said. “There is no better reward than watching a child achieve or overcome something they were struggling with. Being a positive influence in the world of children really does make a difference.”
While Harvey was in the field of education, she said the best part of teaching was the relationships she formed with her students.
“My advice for those going into education is to always remember you are a cheerleader for those who need you most,” Harvey said.
Aside from spending her time in her education classes and preparing to become a teacher, Harvey recalled various other events that happened while she was a student.
During her first year, Harvey recalled watching Kinard Hall burn after catching fire from being struck by lightning.
Additionally, she experienced the devastation of Hurricane Hugo while on campus.
“That was definitely a terrifying experience. The wind, rain and tornadoes rocked the buildings and snapped the huge oak trees like they were nothing. The carnage afterward was nothing we have ever seen before,” Harvey said.
As a student, Harvey recalled praying in the chapel of Oakland Avenue Baptist Church among her other classmates. They specifically prayed for the United States troops as they were being sent to Kuwait at the start of Desert Storm.
During her time as a Winthrop student, Harvey was not active in any organizations or clubs.
“If I had any advice to give, I would encourage students to find things on campus and in the community that interested them and get involved,” Harvey said. “I would encourage them to focus on things that will encourage their personal growth and skills because life in the real world will challenge what they know and what they can do. Being a well-rounded person helps them cope with the many opportunities that come in life.”
Now that Harvey has retired from teaching, she works as a case manager at Spartanburg County Community Long Term Care.
