On the Ninth floor, teaching AP English Language and Composition and British Literature, stands a teacher known as fashionable yet humble, D’andra McPhail. He teaches students from sophomore to senior year. In addition to teaching high school students, he has a part-time job in a program called Upward Bound at Georgia State University, and instructs cycling classes in various gyms across the city of Atlanta.
A typical day for McPhail would be an early 5 AM cycling class before an hour commute to teach at North Atlanta, from 8:45 to 3:45 (if he has no clubs or tutorial obligations after). Then, he’ll teach another cycling class in the evening which usually ends around 8:15, leaving him headed home around 9 PM on a typical night. His fixed routine might seem obscure to others but is simply normal and organized to him. The cycle (no pun intended) of continuously long days is relentless, yet he highlights his gratitude for the jobs he works. “I like coming to work at school to show off my outfits but I also love the bonds I get to create with students every year, it’s a challenge,” he said. “The interactions I initiate with people are my favorite part of all my jobs”.
McPhail’s drive for his cycling career is evident, one trail specifically on his path in life is his dream of opening a cycling studio. Though he doesn’t want to think too far ahead, he believes taking time for yourself, saying no, and developing balance is the best way to grow. McPhail uses his hobbies and interests to wind down from his packed schedule and in turn helps create that balance he strives for. “Anything music or podcast related, festivals, or traveling is my ideal way to wind down, especially with all I have on my plate,” he said.
Having a history of mental health struggles and finding his desired purpose in life helps him understand the importance of healthy boundaries. With his growing knowledge, he desires to not only teach the curriculum to his students but also help them find their preferred way of living life. Without constantly learning himself, McPhail knows he wouldn’t be in the position of having such a balanced work and lifestyle. “It becomes easier to say no to the things that don’t matter and to what pulls you away from your true purpose,” he said.
For McPhail, balance is the key to having the ability to peddle forward in life, and his continuous multitasking deserves applause.
