Students and staff participate in district wide strength in character day

The district has one day set aside each semester to help staff and students build relationships. “Grit” day was Tuesday, Jan. 20. Some students and teachers have had to go through grit in their life, like Mrs. Arp who is the health and teen leadership teacher and the student council advisor.

Growing up, Mrs. Arp had some difficulties she had to deal with.

When she was younger Mrs. Arp lived in a trailer house.

“At times there was no money for food, running water, and lack of electricity,” Arp said.

Her father’s family had a background of addiction, so at a very young age he started smoking and became addicted

After years of smoking, he became a double amputee.

“My dad, at about 30 years of age, because of smoking, began to have health problems and lost both of his legs,” Arp said.

Not wanting to have the same life, Arp focused on school to make a difference in her lifestyle.

“My work ethic was the thing that allowed me to get back up when I fell,” Arp said. “I’m proud to say that I was the first one in my family to attend college, and actually graduate from college.”

Arp hopes to make a difference and help educate students, and to inspire them.

“I now get to do a job every day that I don’t consider a job. I get to come to Wylie East High School and hopefully inspire others,” Arp said.