Home economics (“home ec”) is perhaps the greatest paradox in the K-12 school curriculum system. For what seems like an eternity, home ec has appeared on middle school and high school elective course lists, regularly overshadowed by its AP counterparts or a graduation requirement. In Humphreys’ memoir, audiences get a glimpse into the world of home ec, and what they see is a multidimensional platform where students gain life skills that no amount of endless memorization in history, science, etc., will instill. In no uncertain terms, this work is the epitome of the saying, “fruit of one’s labor,” as the author’s passion for teaching is on full display as she meticulously puts home ec on the map for the modern generation of schoolgoers.
Now called “Family and Consumer Sciences,” home ec becomes the perfect ground for crafting both recipes and one’s maturity through trial and error, and for understanding that everything from stitching to the culinary arts is an essential life skill that can and will come in handy in adulthood. “Becky Homecky,” as the author was nicknamed in college, sheds light on a lighthearted energy infused with a tenacious passion for home economics and a graceful storytelling style that makes it easy to read for anyone of any age or level of expertise.
As the memoir unfolds, a career-long adventure ensues, featuring everything from flying pin cushions and the Great Spool incident to flat cookies doused in baking soda and real, heart-to-heart conversations. At the core of the work is a real and relatable feeling: every school, every student has likely had a Mrs. Humphreys who was just as determined to make connections with students as she was to teach home economics and independent living.
Over time, and in a series of schools, the author demonstrates an inherent knack for building trust and rapport with her students, whether it’s through a Dean Koontz thriller or by helping an aspiring race car driver understand sponsorships during mock interviews. That said, what makes this book special is Humphreys’ ability to balance the good and the bad. For instance, her struggle to become a teacher and then to really find her confidence and identity as one resonates strongly with all educators, who also likely feel, on some days, that they’ve been “dropped into a video game without instructions: new levels, hidden traps, and constant respawning.” Truly, there are some individuals that are simply meant to teach and shape the youth, and with every anecdote in this work, it becomes clearer and clearer that Humphreys is unquestionably one of them.
Interestingly, Humphreys’ efforts went far beyond the classroom. In fact, she even took over as the middle school soccer coach, challenging her players to bring out their best and giving them a taste of what it means to really hold themselves accountable. As the saying goes, a teacher wears many hats. And in this case, the author is no different in her ability to understand the whole individual, their circumstances (e.g., family situation leading to truancy), and the importance of team building for students at such a transitional age in their lives. More than knowledge and rote memorization, Humphreys’ career in family and consumer sciences is a clear testament to the importance of developing empathy, kindness, and camaraderie in students who will go on to be tomorrow’s leaders. Above all else, Humphreys guides readers through her teaching journey with raw authenticity as she explores the range of emotions that ultimately lead to a growth mindset for both her and the students who are blessed to learn life skills from her.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
