Throughout my life, there have been many people who’ve come into my life and left quiet but powerful impacts on it. But the one that I am choosing to write about today is HHS’s very own Mr. Harty! My AP psychology teacher Mr. Harty has taught me much about psychology, but his thoughtful teaching has changed the way I approach it. Mr. Harty is always willing to work with students to improve their grades and become better versions of themselves in the classroom, but many of his teachings can be taken outside of the classroom. When I first had Mr. Harty in History of Human Behavior last year, I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard about him and his classes, and many people had nice things to say about him, but I was not 100% sure I bought it. But being in that class has made me realize the importance of having a teacher who is truly passionate about teaching, and cares about his students.

 In both AP Psych and History of Human behavior I saw the way that Mr. Harty was able to relate and engage with students, allowing them to grow in their understanding. The work in AP Psych can be hard, with many words needing to be memorized, but Mr. Harty finds fun ways to help students learn. By connecting real world experiences to certain topics this leads to having students engaged and conversing with them. AP Psych delves deep into the way humans behave, think, and interact with the world around them. Mr Harty has helped me see psychology not just as a subject I studied for a test, but as a tool to better understand myself and the people around me. His lessons often encourage students to reflect on their own behaviors and thought processes, which makes the material feel personal and meaningful. This way of teaching has made learning more memorable and has allowed me to form deeper connections with the content. 

One of the most impactful aspects of Mr. Harty’s teaching is the environment he creates in his classroom. He has been able to create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions, and sharing ideas. This sense of openness encourages growth and curiosity, which are essential to learning, especially in a subject as complex as psychology. Beyond academics, Mr. Harty’s lessons often emphasize understanding others’ perspectives. These are lessons that extend far beyond the classroom and can be applied to everyday life. Whether it is understanding why people react the way they do or learning how to communicate more efficiently, the skills gained from his classes are valuable in real world situations. 

Overall, Mr. Harty’s influence on my academic journey has been both quiet and powerful. He has shaped the way I view psychology and learning as a whole, leaving a lasting impact that I will carry with me beyond high school. Teachers like Mr. Harty remind students of the importance of passion for the things we do, kindness towards one another, and understanding, making this a memorable experience.