GETTING INSIDE THE MIND OF WASHINGTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT BODY

By SARA NUNEMAKER

As a senior in high school, it’s getting to the tail end of discovering favorite classes and favorite teachers. Psychology is an elective offered in the High School, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best. 

Mr. Reil is the psychology teacher at WHS, and he strives to show his students what psychology is really like. His class is based around thinking and discussing opinions and situations. Mr. Reil does a fantastic job when it comes to getting beneath the surface of his students’ minds, and his class is a safe place to discuss challenging topics. Psychology is definitely a highly recommended elective at the High School. 

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. During an everyday psych class, there’s usually some reading, critical thinking, and lots of discussion. Many students believe that the discussion is the best part. It’s very interesting to hear other classmates’ stories, points of view, and opinions. A big part of psychology is finding out how the mind works, and the best way to do that is hearing the opinions of other people.

SARA NUNEMAKER FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Mr. Reil has been teaching psychology for 12 years, and some students in the building may know him as also being a Global 1 teacher. Reil states, “In 1999, there was an opening to teach Psychology at WHS, and they pretty much told me that’s what I was going to teach.” Funny how sometimes the things we get thrown into turn out to be what we enjoy doing the most. When asked, “What’s your favorite part of teaching psychology?” Mr. Reil responded, “I really enjoy the contrast of teaching about real issues with juniors and seniors, in comparison to teaching Global 1 with freshmen.” 

Psychology is different than the core subjects in that it is based off the viewpoints of the students.  That is what makes the class so interesting. It’s not just reading from a textbook and taking a quiz on what was just learned; it’s more about listening to the people in the class and gaining an insight into how others view the world. It may even help  some students figure themselves out.  As someone who has studied and now teaches  psychology, Reil proclaims, “I think everyone should study psychology. It’s helpful in almost every area as it prepares people to deal with other human beings, and it can give you a better understanding on why people do what they do.” Mr. Reil is most definitely experienced in this area.

Washingtonville High School offers many electives, and each of them is unique and fun in different ways. High school flies by in the blink of an eye, and all high school student should follow their dreams and take whatever classes they believe will interest and benefit them the most. Psychology may not be for everyone, but how can you know if you don’t try? It may be the best class you ever take, or it might even inspire you to further your knowledge of psychology and study it in college. Washingtonville is blessed to have such a friendly and welcoming guy teaching the course, so in reality, it’s a win win situation. If you would like to figure out for yourself how interesting psych is, do yourself a favor and sign up for the class.