For the past four years at Rome High School, Amanda Howel, an ELA teacher,l and her daughter, Lillie, a senior, have shared more than just a home. They have shared hallways, classrooms, text messages between classes, homework reminders, and countless moments together.
Mother’s Day this year not only marks a special day to celebrate Mrs. Howell, but also means graduation day is coming ever closer.
Although it might have started out a bit different, Mrs. Howell said it’s been fun having her daughter at Rome High and in her class.
“It’s actually been really cool,” Amanda Howell said. “The first couple of years, though, she didn’t really want to have anything to do with me, but once she realized that I was okay to be around, it was even better. Then she was in my class, which was really great. That’s a great experience, to teach your own kid. I got to see her in a different way. I think she got to see me in a different way too, so that was good.”
Lillie admitted the adjustment took time.
“The first couple of years of high school, I was like, ‘Please, please don’t look at me. I’m good.’ Then it was like, ‘Oh, I’ll just go to my mom’s room,’ or, ‘Oh, it’s fine. I’ll just text my mom.’ I mean, it was all right. Then I had her class, and that was a roller coaster of events (academic events, according to mom). That was a lot. There was a lot that happened in that class, but it was also really fun.”
Over time, the shared experience became something both grew to appreciate. Mom became more than just a teacher in the building. She became a familiar face during stressful days, a quick stop between classes, and, according to Lillie, a dependable homework reminder.
“When I would get home, it would be like, ‘Hey, do your homework.’ It was nice to have a live-in homework reminder. But it was pretty fun,” Lillie said.
When asked about a favorite memory or funny moment from taking her mom’s class, Lillie gets a big smile.
“Really, it’s just any time a little bit of family drama would get in there. That was hilarious,” Lillie said. “There was one time one of my friends said that she felt like she was on a family reality TV show or something. It’s been fun.”
Now, with graduation approaching, both know a major change is coming.
“That’s going to be a change,” Amanda said. “I don’t know how I’m going to deal with that. I mean, she’ll be fine. I know she’ll be fine. But it’s going to be weird not having her here every day. Not being able to put my eyes on her every day.”
Lillie is excited for what comes next, even while knowing she will miss Rome High.
“I’m very excited,” Lillie said. “I’ve been here the last four years here, and honestly, I’m kind of tired of it, but I know I’m going to miss it at some point. I have so many memories here, so many friends, so many connections. I’m going to miss it, but I’m ultimately ready to go.”
When asked what advice she would like to give her daughter, Mrs. Howell doesn’t take long to give an answer.
“Just remember the core things that we taught her, you know? Don’t be an idiot. Think about your decisions before you actually start doing things. When you go into the workforce, remember the main things. Be on time. Show up every day. We’re still struggling with one of those. The on-time one. Smile and know that there are things that seem hard in the moment, but you can make it if you push through.”
While both know next year will feel different, neither seems too worried about the transition.
“I feel like it’ll be a nice change,” Lillie said. “It might take some adjusting, but she’s still a phone call away, and I still live with her.”
When asked if there was anything else they wanted to add, the two shared one quintessential mother-daughter exchange.
“No, she’s a pretty good kid,” Amanda said.
“I try,” Lillie replied.