Ann Humphrey has been teaching video at Analy for 17 years, but she’s been in the business for much longer. She worked at Macy’s in high school, but her hatred for the job was an indication that she needed to broaden her horizons. When she was in her 20s, she started getting into film and cinematography, and they soon became an inescapable passion, leading to her becoming the AV technician at Analy before travelling all over the world—from Hawai’i to Disneyland—with various television networks and companies. She then taught film to college students, and finally founded the Analy video program, where she continues teaching today as passionate and driven as ever.

While in my interview with Ms. Humphrey, I primarily asked questions about herself, she continually brought the focus back to her students. Ms. Humphrey believes that, while educating about film work and cinematography is important, the true lesson she aspires to teach is compassion. “What’s important,” she says, “is the relationships they have, because that’s where maturity comes through. I teach how to troubleshoot, how to be patient, and how to regroup.”

But she isn’t just an educator, she is also a student. She mentioned that, because film is a constantly changing medium, her pupils, with their perpetual access to social media and technology, will always be one step ahead of her. “In this business, the kids are always gonna be smarter than you,” she said with a smile. When asked about the difference between teaching high school and college, she reiterated this point: “In high school, kids are more challenging, which really makes it fun. I know how to do this stuff—to be experienced means to know your own way—but the kids come up with ways I’ve never thought of, and they’re so smart. It’s a real treat to work with them.”

When asked about her funniest or most noteworthy memory, Ms. Humphrey thought for a moment before breaking into a chuckle. “Years ago,” she said, “a student dressed up as a gorilla, added a fake sword in his belt, and walked downtown to get reactions from people about Halloween costumes. He ended up walking toward a kindergarten class on a field trip, and the teacher called the police saying there was a terrorist in town. He got the whole thing on film, and that had a really funny reaction with the students.”

“Funny is so hard, though,” she added. “So many things go wrong in video.” It seems that another one of the lessons she teaches her students is spontaneity, and the value of being able to take an idea and run with it, regardless of whether or not the props work or the audio in a classroom cuts out.

When asked to describe Ms. Humphrey, Brad Demarest, a senior and four-year video student, called her “one of [his] most defining mentors.” He actually has her to thank for the career path he’s pursuing: cinematography and directing. When asked about his favorite memory of Ms. Humphrey, Brad replied, “Every time she sees my parents, she lights up and runs over to them and says ‘You guys, you’re not gonna believe just how talented Bradley is. He’s so good at everything!’” He added on, “And I’m like ‘Not really, but thanks, Ms. Humphrey,’ but that’s still always really nice—and she makes me look good in front of my parents and my family.’” It seems that Ms. Humphrey takes exceptional pride in her students, noting when they excel, and letting the world know, too.

Unfortunately, due to a budget deficit, the district is making Ms. Humphrey retire prematurely. However, she has few misgivings. “I wish the [cuts] hadn’t happened,” she said. “I think that’s it.” She doesn’t believe the decision to be personal, as she has been the recipient of vocational teacher of the year twice in her time at Analy. It saddens her, however, to know that the program may be diminished in size, and she hopes an extreme change isn’t made.

She notes that the video program has helped many students outside of the immediate class; English teachers have reported back that their students have a better understanding of beginning, middle, and end after having manipulated them within video projects. She also praises the increased media literacy her students have, noting that they leave the class with an understanding of how the television industry manipulates viewers, and how to not fall prey to that embezzlement. “I don’t think it’s personal,” she said of the cuts. “I just think it’s unfortunate that all of the sudden, our school has these deficits and we’re losing classes that benefit kids and lead them to the future.”

Analy will be losing a vibrant, compassionate soul next year; whoever takes her place will have some big shoes to fill. In the words of Izzy Bloom, an Analy senior, “What makes a program is often the teacher behind it.” In this case in particular, I believe that to be true.