Math wasn’t always a comfortable subject for senior Natalie Misener. As a freshman, she struggled. Coming from middle school where math wasn’t a major focus for her and having lived through the disruptions of COVID-19, she felt unprepared when she entered Algebra 1 as a freshman. It was intimidating. But through Seneca High School’s study sessions, led by longtime math teacher Jenna Maierhofer, she found a path forward—not just in math, but in learning how to push through difficulty and embrace challenges.

Jenna Maierhofer has been teaching for more than 30 years, with all but one of them at Seneca High School. She started offering after-school and weekend study sessions sometime in the mid-1990s after realizing that students needed more than just class time to master complex concepts. “I started thinking about what makes students successful when they go to college,” she explains. “A big part of that is study groups—students getting together, learning from each other, and reinforcing what they know.”

That realization led her to create a space where students could come together, get help, and build their understanding in a low-pressure, supportive environment. What started as small, informal gatherings eventually grew into something much larger. For decades, her classroom has been filled with students who come in not only to prepare for math tests, but to study other subjects as well. She welcomes everyone, sometimes even ordering pizza, offering snacks, and creating a welcoming space for students to work together.

Natalie was one of those students. As a freshman, she leaned on these study sessions to help her through Algebra 1. “I needed the extra help,” she admits. “I wasn’t confident in math, and I knew I had to put in the effort to get better.” Over time, her confidence grew. Now a senior, she no longer sees herself as someone who struggles with math. Instead, she has become a mentor, offering help to younger students in the same position she once was.

She isn’t alone in making this transition. Many students who once came in seeking support later take on the role of peer mentors, reinforcing their own understanding while helping others. It’s a cycle that Maierhofer encourages, believing that students learn just as much from teaching as they do from being taught.

While math remains the foundation of these study sessions, the impact extends far beyond formulas and equations. The skills students gain—problem-solving, perseverance, and teamwork—are the same skills they’ll need long after high school. Natalie recognizes that. Though she plans to major in elementary education, a field where she may not need advanced math, she values what math has taught her about critical thinking and determination. “It’s not just about solving problems,” she says. “It’s about pushing yourself and proving that you can do something difficult.”

Her drive to improve in math mirrors her approach to another passion—running. A dedicated cross-country and track athlete, Natalie applies the same mindset to her training that she does to her academics. She embraces the challenge, knowing that pushing through discomfort leads to progress. She plans to run competitively in college and has been in discussions with coaches at Olivet Nazarene University and Monmouth College. “I’m hoping to set some records this year,” she says with determination.

Her work ethic doesn’t stop at athletics. She is an active member of National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Conservation in Action, among other groups. She takes pride in staying engaged and giving back, but she’s also been intentional about prioritizing what truly matters to her.

When asked about "The Seneca Way," Natalie reflects on the sense of community and responsibility that defines the school. “It’s about how we treat the people around us, how we support our school and our town. It’s about being proud of where we’re from and setting an example for the younger students.”

Jenna Maierhofer has seen the power of that culture firsthand. She’s watched students grow, struggle, succeed, and return years later to tell her how much the study sessions meant to them. “Teaching has its ups and downs,” she admits, “but when I hear from students like Natalie, when I see how far they’ve come—it makes everything worth it.”

For Natalie, those study sessions helped her turn a weakness into a strength. More importantly, they showed her that hard work and perseverance pay off. Whether in the classroom, on the track, or in the choices she makes about her future, she’s carrying those lessons forward.

And in doing so, she’s setting an example for the next generation of Seneca High School students to follow.