Alumni: Every teacher cared to an uncommon degree
Mack King
During her 4 years at Greenhouse, Mackenzie found her classmates had a profound and positive impact on her.
Years at Greenhouse: 2016-20
College: University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Major: Communications with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership
Employer: Brown County government
Living in: Green Bay, WI
At the time when I was attending Greenhouse, I found that I took much of the experience for granted. Now in my twenties, I look back on my time fondly. The sense of community was unmatched, and the education was something I know I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere else. My classmates weren't just people I would see once a week; they were my family. I remember that our Google Chat would constantly be filled with plans to hang out and to discuss our school work. Even though I only keep in contact with a few, I can honestly say that each one of my classmates had a profound and positive impact on my life.
As for the curriculum, every single teacher that I ever came in contact with had a genuine and heartfelt desire to teach and guide each student. As someone who struggled greatly with academics, I never came across a teacher who didn't do everything they could to help me. I remember Mr. Chandler coming to tutor me during the December break, even though he was supposed to be off. I remember Mrs. O'Reagan staying hours later with me to walk me through a church history point I didn't understand, or to help me with my papers, despite the fact that she had a newborn child I'm sure she would have much rather been taking care of. I remember Dr. Callentine helping me make specialized flash cards for an upcoming Biology test. I remember Mrs. Gottlieb spending actual months tutoring me and helping me organize my schedule so I could best succeed. I remember Dr. Parker coaching me through my first viva voce [oral exam] freshman year because I was so nervous I felt like I would throw up.
To see that type of dedication from a single teacher is rare, uncommon at best, but to see it from every teacher that I regularly interacted with is something so special that its significance cannot be overstated.
Though, I think everything pales in comparison to the way I was treated regarding my personal religious beliefs. I came to Greenhouse when I was just entering 8th grade and at the time was uncertain about my personal faith and didn't consider myself a Christian. Never once did I feel pressured or judged for the fact that I wasn't a Christian. For assignments like my faith story, accommodations were made so instead of talking about my own, I could interview someone else. I was never forced to go to church, or to answer questions about why I wasn't a Christian, though the teachers and some of my peers were always happy to answer any philosophical questions I had about the Bible. While I still don't consider myself a practicing Christian, my Greenhouse experience left me with nothing but a deep respect and admiration for those who are practicing, and an endless amount of gratitude to those who were always ready and willing to discuss the religion with me.
All in all, Greenhouse left me with not only fond memories, but the ability to function in the real world.
I've been able to secure a high level position working in the government, handling contracts and budgets, things if you asked me I could do 5-8 years ago, I would have said no. The speaking skills that I learned with Dr. Parker and Mrs. O'Reagan have let me not only communicate within my job, but also with other government officials as I partake in political activism and lobbying. I would not be the person I am had I not gone to Greenhouse and met the people I have.
-Mackenzie King
NOTE: While Greenhouse requires that at least one parent have an active faith in Jesus Christ and espouse either the Apostles Creed or the NAE Statement of Faith, it is not required that students necessarily be believers although most of them are.