Student Reviews

From a former LAHS Grad of Ms. Downey's Euro AP Course

I'm not sure how well you remember me, or if you remember me at all, but I took MEHAP with you at LAHS in 2017-18 and I wanted to write to you to let you know how grateful I am to have taken your class. 

Currently, I'm 6 months shy of graduating from UCSB with a degree in Economics, and recently I've been spending some time reflecting on how I got here. When I traced my journey back far enough, I realized that the catalyst for so much of my personal growth can be attributed to you! I loved coming to your MEHAP class every day, even if I spent a little too much time in class goofing off. I remember one day you pulled me aside after class and told me that you genuinely thought I could do better not just in your class but all my classes if I just applied myself a little more. You were the first teacher who showed any kind of genuine belief in me instead of just getting frustrated and outright disciplining me. And so that one tiny conversation permanently changed the way I viewed myself.

In my first two years of high school, my work ethic and grades were setting me on a trajectory where I would be lucky to go to a state school. In the subsequent two years of high school, I carried a 4.5 with straight As, and that improvement was good enough to get me to UCSB. Here I've had what I can only describe as the best few years of my life. I've made amazing lifelong friendships, received a great education, and recently I was lucky enough to study abroad in Barcelona for 4 months. Obviously, I had to work hard and there have been countless people who've helped me along the way, but I felt like you deserved a special thank you for setting me on the right path in the first place and helping me to believe in myself.

Note to Ms. Downey From a Former SHP Student in both World History and US History

I wanted to thank you for all you have done for me these past two years being my history teacher both freshman and sophomore year has allowed me to grow in history and grow interest in the subject. You have taught me so many study and note taking skills that I plan to take with me in the future. I have loved growing a connection with you and thank you for all the tips. 

From a Note to Ms. Downey from a former SHP student in both World History and US History

Ms Downey, You alone have taught me more than any other teacher I have ever had combined. You have taught me how to be a better writer, how to think critically, and how to look at things from different perspectives. 

However most of all, you've shown me what a good teacher and a person should be. You've been such a kind, gracious, thoughtful, and caring teacher. Your classes were the highlight of my week. You were the only teacher I've ever had who has made such a difference when it came to my learning and understanding of content. You made every history class fun, and entertaining while also being educational.