Unexpectedly, Ms. Pedriana-Basche was welcomed to Mead’s art department as a part time teacher for crafts and beginning drawing (B days) on the seventh week of school this year, due to the increased number of freshmen enrolled.
Ms. Pedriana-Basche moved to Colorado three years ago, inspired by her desire to retire in the state. Her daughter, a junior at CU Boulder, also influenced her recent move.
Since moving, she’s been teaching at Frederick High School half-time and decided to adopt another half time positions here at Mead.
A crucial part of settling in and adjusting to Mead High for Ms. Pedriana-Basche is connecting with her students. Especially since it is mid-semester and her time is shortened.
Early on Ms. Pedrianna-Basche knew she wanted to work in the artistic field, “I realized that I did not want to just work in isolation with my own art… I wanted to share that…”
After speaking more about her love for art, she explained how she feels everyone should have an opportunity to create. She not only cares about her creativity but also wants to open that space to others.
She said, “I think there’s not always a place to be creative. I mean, classes are really vigorous. [Students] need a variety of different types of classes, creative problem solving and creative thinking are super important when you get out in the world, as important as any other subject.”
She believes that having a set time to create art and make new ideas is important, which is one of the many reasons why she chose to teach.
Ms. Pedrianna-Basche is also big on physical and mental wellness. Outside of school, she participates in yoga and hiking. She used to enjoy running consistently and hopes to embrace this hobby once again. She ties the expressions of outdoor activities and art together.
“It’s like a release, it clears your head,” she said.
Her family and community hold lots of value to her. Furthermore, she can be seen as a spiritual person who hopes to make life more creative and fun for not only herself but for others as well.
We wish her the best as she finds her new community at Mead.
