Ever since English teacher Carrie Baldovin began her teaching career at Paso Robles High School, she has been determined to make sure her students left her classroom educated and enlightened. Baldovin has taught English at PRHS since 1994, which she saw develop over time,
“Before the 1000 building was here, this [the 1000’s building] was lawn and trees, with places for students to sit and have lunch.” Baldovin reminisced. During her time at PRHS Baldovin has not only taught lessons to her students, but also learned a few lessons of her own.
Baldovin’s career began with an eventful beginning as she navigated in her first year teaching while pregnant, alongside other struggles, “I started here in (19)94-95 was my first year here, and I was pregnant with my daughter. So that was a rough year,” Baldovin said. Baldovin enjoyed the novels she read, lessons she taught, and the company of teachers and students during her time at PRHS.
Baldovin has conveyed lessons that will stick to her students even after they leave her class, “I really enjoy doing the value of life unit with my seniors, and looking at what you need in life in order to be truly happy, and looking at things that aren’t material things, but those things that really matter.” Baldovin said.
“Next year’s a brand new year, and if they stick with it, they can do whatever they want.” -Carrie Baldovin
As the sun sets for the school year and Baldovin’s career, she looks towards her future in retirement. “I’m hoping to do a little bit of traveling with some of my friends, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Brunner are retiring with me and with my husband. And I have an incredible family that I’m hoping to spend a little more time with.”
Even as she ends her final year of her career she still hopes for the best for all of her students, “I hope that they will realize that even though things are rocky, or maybe even their performance in my class isn’t what they truly know they could, they can do that. And that next year’s a brand new year, and that if they stick with it, they can do whatever they want.” Baldovin’s many positive impacts have both affected PRHS and the students who inhabit it.
