By Nyssa Vasquez, Staff Reporter
December, 2025
Mili Casas, now known to her students as Ms. Casas, walks the same hallways she once rushed through as a teenager, only this time she carries a stack of lesson plans instead of textbooks. Her story is one of coming full circle, rediscovering purpose in a space that helped shape her, and learning what it truly means to guide students along a path she once knew from the other side of the desk.
Driven by curiosity and inspired by this full-circle moment, I sat down with Ms. Casas to learn more about her journey and what ultimately led her to return to KAC as an educator.
What made you decide to teach at your old high school?
Ms. Casas explained, “I never originally envisioned this path for myself. After graduating from university and working at a law firm, my career took an unexpected turn toward teaching. I knew Ms. Lopez, last year’s KAC principal and a fellow Notre Dame alumna, and we had stayed in touch. One day I reached out and asked, ‘Hey, is there an open position for teaching?’ and I was incredibly fortunate. A sudden opening had just become available that very same day.”
Did you always know that you wanted to be a teacher?
When I was in high school, I dreamed of opening my own school, and that dream still lives on today. In many ways, I think I always knew education would be part of my path. I’ve never told Mr. Ramirez, our current KAC principal, but watching him as a teacher had a profound impact on me. His influence and encouragement inspired me to attend university and pursue my goals. That experience showed me just how powerful teaching can be, and how deeply it can change someone’s life.
What are the struggles of being a young new teacher?
Students sometimes underestimate how much you know simply because you look young. But age doesn’t define maturity. In fact, I think someone older can be far less mature if they haven’t taken the time to reflect, grow, and do the personal work needed for real change.
What was the school like when you attended KAC as a student?
The school is completely different now, but that’s only natural. With every new generation comes fresh energy, new perspectives, and an entirely new wave of trends. Change is inevitable so how could a school remain the same when the students, their interests, and the world around them are constantly evolving? Each generation leaves its mark, shaping the culture and pushing the community to grow in ways that reflect the times.
What advice would you give to students who want to get the most out of high school?
Just go for it, truly. Take the time to think deeply about what you want out of high school, what interests you, and what you hope to accomplish. Once you have that clarity, don’t hesitate. High school is one of the few moments in life where you have the freedom to explore without the pressure of having everything figured out. Make the most of it by being present, being curious, and taking action.
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