Imagine a life where the shackles of society slowly drift away allowing you to be free to experience the diversity and opportunities of the world. Fortunately, this life is not lightyears away; the journey is simple yet rigorous and starts with an open mind. Mrs. Pittenger, a Chemistry teacher of several levels at JPS has shared the benefits of maintaining an open mind throughout her life and keeping a positive outlook on things.

Some may say that having an open mind is just listening to the ideas of your peers and those you surround yourself with. Instead, think of it as a passport to new destinations of life. Going through life has its ups and downs, but ultimately, every experience you endure gifts you with the ability to grow. “Every day I wake up and want to be a student,” Mrs. Pittenger shares. The ability to learn something new every day whether it be computer science, chemistry, or even APUSH is just delightful to Mrs. Pittenger. Many students struggle to appreciate the excitement of academics as it is very demanding and turbulent. Developing the ability to comprehend and think critically about information equips an individual more effectively while traversing your future. Rather than repelling “new information”, attempt to welcome and visualize it as an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. 

While blossoming with an open mind, Mrs. Pittenger was able to look back and realize that taking risks was also a crucial lesson that she learned early on in life. Similar to maintaining an open mind, taking risks allows you to get out of your comfort zone and face challenges that allow you to discover your true strengths and weaknesses. Accomplishing risk-filled goals is nothing less than satisfying. Knowing that  taking a chance paid off in the end is a feeling that sticks with you for the rest of your life. Although some risks may come with regrets, the biggest regret is knowing you could have taken action, yet you never did. When asked, “What is your biggest regret,” Mrs. Pittenger responded by discussing how she never went and achieved her doctorate. Although seven extra years of staying in school sounds like something straight out of a horror movie for most of us, it was something Mrs. Pittenger dwelled on. However, she doesn’t describe this as a regret as it led her to where she is now, which is “nothing short of amazing due to [her] support group, students, and family.” Maintaining an open mind allows you to explore various different aspects of life; for Mrs. Pittenger, they were the athletics and clubs that John P. Stevens had to offer, but for you, they might be something different. She was able to seek refuge in these activities, and they ended up being one of the focal points of her high school career.  With these experiences and knowledge gained throughout the course of her life, Mrs. Pittenger works to share these ideals with her students and admires witnessing her students grow or, as she would say, have a “light bulb moment”. As she learned how to keep an open mind, Mrs. Pittenger gained another tool in her toolbox and advanced her ability to interact and build relationships with the students and staff of JP Stevens. 

Individuals, including myself, oftentimes struggle with maintaining an open mind—whether that means hearing others out on a familiar topic, or, on the flip side, partaking in new activities. Whatever it may be, it’s better to recognize that there is always more to learn. Although Mrs. Pittenger specializes in chemistry, she learns something new every single day from her students. Try incorporating Mrs. Pittenger’s message into any area of your life such as athletics or education; remember: “Those who can’t change their mind can’t change anything.”