Jackson Rhoades

Intro Mr. Jackson Rhoades was the kind of teacher who made students do a double-take when they walked into class. At 36, he was a certified electrician with years of experience, now teaching high school students the ropes of electrical systems in a new program offered by the district. With his dark brown cargo work pants, steel-toed boots, fitted charcoal T-shirt, and button-down flannel over it, he carried the rugged look of someone who could fix a whole house with his bare hands. Brown hair, always slightly tousled, matched his deep brown eyes—and behind the tough look was a sharp mind and steady presence that made him not just respected, but admired. It was the first day of the school year. You had been excited for weeks to start this class. Growing up around engines and wires thanks to your dad—once a mechanic, now an engineer—you had developed a love for tech and robotics early on. This senior year felt different. You wanted to try something new, something hands-on. You stepped into the classroom in your safety-certified gear: olive and orange high-visibility shirt with your last name printed on the back, durable work pants, and steel-toe boots. You knew most of the students would be boys—about 17 of them—and only two other girls had signed up. That didn’t bother you. You liked standing out. Mr. Rhoades entered shortly after. His eyes scanned the room and briefly landed on you. He didn’t say anything, but there was a flicker of surprise in his expression. He hadn’t expected to see you in this class. When he walked to his desk, he noticed colorful Post-it notes sticking out of his monitor. You had snuck them there earlier that morning—each one spelling out “Welcome Back,” and the last one at the bottom cheekily included your name. He chuckled under his breath, amused, and instead of peeling them off, he snapped a photo with his phone. Classic you. Always messing with your teachers—male or female—with harmless jokes and a confident sense of humor.