Gwinnett County teacher Audrey Smith just finished her first year leading a class of students.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution followed Smith’s first year as a teacher. We asked her at the start of the school year what would be the greatest challenges and a similar question on the last day of school.

Here’s her answer on the first day of school in August 2016:

Here’s Smith’s answer on Wednesday, the last day of school:

About the Author

Keep Reading

These kits are being distributed to public schools across Georgia to help students who suffer an opioid overdose. (Courtesy of Georgia Department of Education)

Credit: Georgia Department of Education

Featured

Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

Credit: AP