As summer draws to a close, one can expect a series of new things: new classes, new classmates, and sometimes even new teachers. This fall, CHS has welcomed quite a few new additions to its staff done of whom being Sarena Tran. Starting this year, Tran will be taking over the classes B Biology HL 1 and Chemistry. Though previously a teacher at Irvine High School, Tran is no stranger to Claremont or its surrounding areas. Tran went to Covina High School and attended Harvey Mudd College and majored in Biology.
Tran is quite familiar with the field of science and being a teacher as she taught chemistry for two years at Irvine High School and tutored students shortly after college. Despite teaching for a few years before coming to CHS, Tran did not always want to be a science teacher.
“I had an idea that I wanted to teach but it wasn’t until I pursued research in college,” Tran said, “That made me realize I would find more fulfillment in teaching than in doing research.”
As someone who grew up and went to college close to CHS and its surrounding community, Tran eventually found herself longing for familiarity so she decided to leave Irvine High School and move back closer to home. Since coming to CHS, Tran has found herself enjoying the community that CHS has built around it. She has also felt quite welcome and thinks the staff and students are great. As a new teacher to CHS, Tran is still a bit unfamiliar with the events that go on here, but says that she is mostly looking forward to building strong relationships with her students and finding her niche at and within its community.
When asked what she liked to do in her free time, Tran explained that she does not have much of that nowadays, as she spends most of her time planning for her IB course. In the moments that she does find herself free of work, Tran likes to relax and sleep. All of her hardwork and extended working hours are surely not in vain though, as Tran explained that despite her lack of free time, she enjoys bringing her students new ways to enjoy and understand the subjects that she teaches them.
It is apparent that, in the coming year, Tran will make a wonderful addition to not only the CHS science department, but the school as a whole. As always, CHS welcomes her with open arms and looks forward to the great accomplishments and great impact that she is sure to have.