Striving for Success Through Raso’s Love for our World

By: Samia Musleh

March 29, 2025

A tightly rolled up map rests beneath the projector, and in it stores a wealth of knowledge more valuable than gold: it provides information about our planet, our home, our world. Though initially hidden, the treasure is soon to be revealed when a skilled hand, that of Kathryn Raso, pulls down the map. 

As the map is unleashed before her students eyes, it remains silent. The map, a solid non living object does not have the power to speak for itself. It does not have the power to tell the stories of our very Earth; it can’t tell us who walked upon its soil, and what happened from Asia to the Atlantic and eventually to the Americas. 

Raso breaks that barrier as she tells the stories of the map. Through her knowledge  and world travelling experience, the map becomes more than just ink on paper and more than simply an illustration of land and water; it becomes the story of humanity. 

Although she had a passion for teaching since she was little, it may surprise you that Raso never knew what exactly to teach. 

“I knew from a pretty young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I didn't know what I wanted to teach. I knew from having gone abroad in highschool for a week to Spain that I really enjoyed travelling. I really enjoyed getting outside the United States and learning about the world,” she said as she reminisced about her career. 

The epiphany may not have hit her immediately, but when it came, it was undeniable. 

“I really wanted to teach social studies because I wanted to teach students about the world. And I wanted to continue to be able to travel and learn about the world and other cultures” she continued passionately. 

She takes her students around the world with her. The love for both teaching and traveling unlocks a special trait, one found in the soul of a true scholar. Her experience traveling has influenced what she says in her classroom, and in exchange, her love for learning and teaching has allowed her to become more connected to the places she goes. 

 “When you have an opportunity to travel and learn about the places you travel then at other points in your life, you’re going to connect back to those things that you saw or things that you learn. So I do think my experiences outside of the United States in particular helped to shape what I teach in the classroom and what stories I tell and what I talk about,” she said. 

“I’m not really a history person, but I was definitely interested in everything she taught. I’d definitely say she’s passionate,” said former global 10 student of Mrs. Raso, Alishba Nadeem. 

Unlike many teachers, Mrs. Raso spends two consecutive years with the same class preparing them for one specific exam. Many believe that this may be frustrating or a hassle, but she sees it as an honor. 

“I will say that working with students for two years in a row is one of my favorite aspects of my job and my career because I feel like I really get to know the kids and develop a nice relationship with the students where you know what to expect from them, they know what to expect from me, and I think we’ve developed a closeness,” she says.

Mrs. Raso does not only passionately teach what she loves but she recognizes who’s in her classroom. She builds relationships with the very same students who are looking up to her to earn that 80+ on the regents or a 4 or 5 on the AP exam. And her connection does not end when the course ends; she keeps them in her memory, building a relationship that lasts beyond academics. 

“I know when your cohort (class of 2025) graduates I will definitely be sad…... I don’t see you guys everyday but I see students in the hallways…it’s good to see them again and see how you’ve matured…” she says with a bittersweet tone.  “…I do like the two years but then I miss it because I almost wish I could have you for four years. I know I can’t do that…” she adds with a laugh. 

Mrs. Raso isn’t only an explorer and teacher but also a parent, which only amplifies her understanding of her students especially considering her children are now close in age with the age of her students. Having multiple perspectives not only on the world, but on the students she works with helps establish a common ground.

She mentions how she takes to heart what her kids have to say about their teachers. She recognizes that each student may be carrying something beyond the lesson at hand. Because of this caring perspective, she takes it upon herself to be more flexible in the classroom sometimes. 

Raso’s flexibility does not clash with her drive for success. Throughout our talk, she kept a constant motif: a goal to have her students succeed. 

When asked about what her favorite part of her job was, she mentioned hearing the thoughts and opinions of her students and feeling like she’s helping them have a successful future.

“You really want the students to do well. You really want them to come away with having them done their best and achieved a goal” Mrs. Raso says, reflecting on the day of the AP exam.

Mrs. Raso is no stranger to her career as a learner and educator. Having traveled the world and figured out how to best understand her students, she’s gathered invaluable lessons.

Success is impossible to reach without error and despite her desire to succeed and to have her students succeed, Mrs. Raso recognizes that profound truth. She recognizes the privilege to have a fresh slate, be it the arrival of a new class, day, or year. 

“...The most important lesson I’ve learned from being a teacher is that there can always be a fresh start, there can always be a new beginning. When you make a mistake, there’s a tomorrow. There is another class where you can try and do a better job. To be forgiving of oneself when things don’t go as planned but to also embrace that idea of a fresh start. Tomorrow we can have a blank slate and we can try again” she says.

Mrs. Raso unlocks a broad and unique perspective. She’s a traveler who has insight on the different ways of life. She’s a teacher who not only spreads her knowledge but offers her vision for success. She’s a mother who is understanding and empathetic toward her students.  

I believe it was a great privilege to have her as my teacher, especially for two years straight. Having a teacher who does not hold grudges and is always willing to give you a chance to improve is an honor.