Former Elementary School Teacher Reconnects with Students Years Later at Georgia Tech
A College of Computing academic advisor recently experienced an unexpected reunion with two of her former elementary school students, one of whom she now advises.
“I was placing an order from a food truck outside the College building when a student approached and asked if I remembered him,” Briana Lampert said. “It was Hoc! It took me a few moments to realize.”
Years earlier, Lampert taught Hoc Nguyen and Cardin Ho in fourth-grade language arts and reading at Hambrick Elementary School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Today, both are computer science (CS) majors at Georgia Tech.
Nguyen first recognized Lampert’s name while searching for his academic advisor during registration. “I thought her name was familiar, but only when I met her in person did I recall she was my teacher,” he said.
Although he doesn’t remember many details from elementary school, Lampert left a lasting impression. “I remember that she was a very kind teacher and that the class liked her because of how nice she was,” he said.
After their initial meeting, Nguyen shared that Ho was also a Georgia Tech student. Lampert later ran into both students on campus while they were attending a resume review event, and the three spent nearly an hour catching up.
“They were both lovely and full of personality, just as they are now. I remember how sweet and intelligent they were,” Lampert said.
“They were very close, even then, and part of a crew that included a group of smart and talented kids. I knew they would go on to do great things, but I had no idea that any of us would end up at Tech.”
Ho also remembers Lampert’s approach in the classroom. “I remember Ms. Lampert had lots of patience,” he said. “Our class, me included, really tested her every day, yet she always maintained it to keep us on track.”
After teaching for five years, Lampert transitioned into academic advising. She started at Georgia State University in 2017 and moved to Georgia Tech in 2022. She said the move allowed her to focus on the part of education she enjoyed most.
“The part of the job that I loved the most was one-on-one interactions with students,” Lampert said. “With advising, I can provide the targeted support to students that I enjoy, but on a broad scale.”
In her current role, Lampert works closely with students as they navigate their academic journeys, while focusing on empathy and connection. She is especially passionate about supporting underrepresented student groups and helping students access campus resources.
Her experience as a teacher continues to shape her approach.
“It is important when working in higher education to remember that while Tech students are academically gifted, K-12 education does not teach a person how to ‘be a college student,’” she said. “Those skills are not inherent.”
For Nguyen, having a former teacher as an advisor has made a difference. He also enjoys reflecting on other classmates and teachers he keeps in touch with, who were part of his early academic journey.
“Having Ms. Lampert as an advisor is honestly quite nice,” he said. “It makes talking about your goals and classes a lot easier if your advisor is someone you knew from your childhood.”
Now studying CS, Nguyen discovered his interest in STEM in middle school, when he had more hands-on opportunities in science and technology.
For students considering the field, he recommends starting with personal interests.
“CS is such a broad field that there can be some parts you don’t find interesting and others you do,” he said. “By just starting with something you like, you can enjoy the learning process more and get the skills needed.”
For Lampert, the experience highlighted the lasting impact of education across different stages of students’ journeys.
“Hoc reminded me that, all things considered, there is a short span of time between elementary school and college,” she said. “He reaffirmed that educators are crucial at every stage of a student’s life.”
