Masten expressed that where she grew up in Lake Stevens had a small-town vibe. Masten’s parents were divorced, and she had a brother. Masten says that her parents were super supportive of her and her brother. “They would always show up to my conferences and horse shows I competed in.”
Masten understood from a young age that her brother was born with significant disabilities so she learned what kindness and patience meant, and that love can be communicated in many ways. Masten’s brother died when she was 21 years old, but as Masten explains, “I can carry on his legacy by passing on what I learned from having him as a brother, it has translated into my teaching and is why I have such high expectations for my classroom.”
What does Masten like to do in her free time?
Masten explained that her favorite things to do consist of k pop, reading and traveling. Out of these three she would pick k pop, because she loves music.
Masten loves going to k pop music concerts and even got to take a picture with one of the singers! Masten has traveled to all kinds of places such as, Canada, California, Texas, and Georgia to fulfill her k pop concert dreams.
Masten’s career
Masten would explain her career life as “chaotic, but in a good way.” Before she went into the education field, she wanted to pursue politics, and she did for a while, until she got very unmotivated and no longer wanted to sit in front of a computer screen all day.
Masten explained that her teacher, Mr. Alderson, motivated her into education because of his positive and outgoing spirit. Masten wanted to be just like Mr. Alderson- so she did. Masten became an English teacher at Lakes in 2023 and really enjoys educating and helping students. Masten explains that her life as a teacher feels empowering and validating because she helps students make a difference in their lives.
Ms. Masten’s advice for students at Lakes High School
Masten wants students at Lakes High School to know that high school is a very important time in life, “so don’t be afraid to take risks, whether it be classes, sports, and extracurricular activities,” she encourages students.
