In her 35 years at Oak Park High School, science teacher and department chair Winnie Sloan has impacted thousands of lives. Beyond teaching Biology, she is known for her poignant life advice. She lives by and teaches these five rules:

1. Own up to the choices you make

“If you don’t like the choices you’re making, then change them. Don’t expect magic to happen. Live in a way that acknowledges that you are the author of your decision. For example, to take that rigorous class or to be on that team, or to be in that play. So make those choices wisely.” 

2. Make choices that will benefit you in the future

“Hopefully when you make a good choice, you receive the affirmation from working hard, maybe overcoming an obstacle,” Sloan said. “Poor choices have natural outcomes. Accept the outcome and see that mistake, that failure, as an opportunity to become stronger. Nobody is perfect, so don’t try for that, but try for the best version of yourself.”

3. Finish your work 24 hours ahead of the deadline

“With the 24 hour rule you’re not living a life of anxiety and always stressed out about what you need to accomplish, because you’re always getting things done at least 24 hours ahead of time, and if possible, 48 hours at a time.”

4. Healthy body, healthy life

“Make choices that ensure that your body is one that’s going to last you in the long run.” 

5. Be honest with yourself about what you really want. 

“Every day you will do what is important to you. You need to decide what that is.”

Even if you have not had Sloan as a teacher, her advice can help every student at OPHS to lead them to accomplish a lot. Try following Sloan’s advice to see differences and more accomplishments,