By Alicia Lyons
Dog mama, lover of outdoors, passionate teacher. These are just some of the attributes that Social Studies Teacher Emma Harter encompasses.
Harter grew up in Athens, Ohio. She went to Ohio University and she enrolled in a program for student teaching. That’s when she knew she wanted to be a full-time teacher. She was born in North Dakota but she moved to Athens county when she was one year old. Before Harter came to FH, she was always wanting to teach.
“If I were not at Federal Hocking, I would be traveling.”
Harter’s dream job growing up was something in the medical field but she realized she doesn’t like traumatic blood injuries. Harter worked at a hair salon; she was a receptionist. She also worked at Zones. She was a nanny during summer, and she housesat. Harter played basketball; it was her main sport, and she also played soccer. Harter did community service for her club in high school.
“I regret not doing volleyball.”
Harter went to Athens High School. She went to Ohio University for college. Harter’s favorite holiday would have to be Christmas, and the Fourth Of July. Harter has two Pitbulls dogs: Dolly and Cash.
“I used to have a bear
ded Dragon.”
Harter is an only child; both of her parents are her life. She had an amazing childhood. Harter’s family have a few traditions which are eating family meals together, watching sports events, and on Christmas they always hangout playing lots of card games. Outside of school, Harter loves anything outdoors: paddle boarding, camping and hiking. She listens to a lot of music and loves concerts.
“I read lots of books. I love to garden.”
If Harter could live anywhere in the world it would be Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It’s a great outdoors spot. It has a lot of beautiful nature spots. She said she would like to grow food and live on her land. Her dream vacation would be Italy. They have lots of historic spots and they make good food.
Harter’s favorite color is green because it reminds her of nature. Her main wedding color was jade green. The last show she watched was “Breaking Bad”. The last series she watched was “The Hunger Games” and the last book she read was “Women” by Christian Hannah. She is a night owl. She has always been a night owl but she’s forced to be a morning person because of her current occupation. If she could sleep until 9:00 a.m, she could function better at night. She feels more productive at night.
Harter’s go-to comfort food would have to be popcorn, jalapeno chips, any crunchy snack, and any sweet treat. Her favorite local spots would be Casa Nueva, Shade on State and Chick-Fil-A. Something she thinks is underrated is three-day weekends. She wishes we could go to school four days a week.
Since Harter grew up in a small town community, she would never live in a big city. She loves the small town.
“I don’t have family down here, but I have a lot of people who love me.”
If she could wake up and gain one new quality or ability, it would be to improve her memory.
“I struggle with remembering things.”
Her biggest pet peeve is hearing someone chew on food or slurping or anything to do with food sounds. Someone who has a massive impact on her life would be her mom because she’s kind and loving.
“She’s my go-to person. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.”
Her childhood memory she still remembers that would make her smile is visiting her grandparents that live in Nebraska. Something that drives her out of bed everyday for a new opportunity and waking up for school is coffee. Her biggest fear is the dark. She runs up the stairs when it’s dark in the basement and she gets scared easily. She is also really scared of snakes.
Her spirit animal is a chameleon and she’s really good at fitting into environments. If she could own one animal in the world, it would be a large number of dogs. She would love to have her own dog shelter one day, or a dolphin rescue center. Her favorite weather would be a 70 degree sunny day, or a rainy day while being inside.
Harter’s students are also happy she landed at FH.
“I like Ms. Harter’s class the most because she makes learning not only fun, but easy,” Senior Drew Travis said.
Her colleagues also appreciate her company.
“I treasure all the energy she brings to our school. I always love talking about outdoor recreation adventures with her and I see her at some of the live music concerts. She always brings a smile to my face,“ FH Internship Coordinator Renee Ripple said.
A fun fact about her is she won the state championship in basketball. She has been teaching for four years. If she could switch jobs with anyone, it would be a national park officer. Her dream car is a jade green Toyota Four Runner.
Clearly, Harter is a woman of many talents and FH is blessed to have her.
