The high school experience consists of three things: making friends, challenging yourself, and senioritis. The final stretch of high school before going off to college is always the hardest part. 

Now, imagine graduating high school, graduating college, getting your degree, and coming right back to the place that started it all—Liberty High School. For science teacher Alisa Jeremica, this was her path.

Right from the get-go, Jeremica knew that she wanted to be a teacher. Ever since she was little, that was her dream.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I used to torment my siblings in the summer by making them sit down and play school so I could be the teacher,” said Jeremica. “I didn’t even know what I wanted to teach, but when I came here and took Ms. Allen’s biology class, I loved it. That’s when I decided I wanted to teach biology.”

Jeremica’s high school experience was the dream most people aspire to have. Here at Liberty, she met her high school sweetheart, like many students do. Unlike the others, though, she got married to him. Through the ups and downs of high school, they came out stronger than before and are still married to this day. Heck, even their older kid goes to Liberty now. Ever met Sam Jeremica?

Considering she’s worked here for thirteen years now, Jeremica knows just how different Liberty is compared to her years here. I mean, did you really think that the chatter in the halls about TikTok trends or the newest scandal James Charles just had was present twenty years ago? No, I didn’t think so either. 

“There are some things that have definitely changed since I was here. There are a lot more pickup trucks and boys walking around in cowboy boots,” said Jeremica.

Aside from the cultural changes, though, a whole lot has stayed pretty similar. The school spirit and traditions have stayed fairly constant. Even a lot of the teachers have remained. If you’ve had Ms. Daughters as a teacher, know that Jeremica had her too.

“Coming back to work with my previous teachers was the weirdest part about coming back to Liberty. For the first couple years, it was especially weird because I looked really young. I would often be in the copy room and get yelled at by a staff member saying, ‘Students can’t be in the copy room. You need to get out!’ And I would be like, ‘Hey, I’m not a student anymore,’” said Jeremica.

Even while teaching here, Jeremica still has glimpses back into her high school experience. She still goes to the school dances with her husband—this time as chaperones. I’m sure none of you have had seventeen homecomings.