When in need of a little inspiration, many turn to the witty word of children’s author Dr. Seuss. After all, very few people can exude such a positive attitude like Seuss can.

Those who are willing to settle for Seuss, however, should meet Dana Lebental, the new chemistry teacher in room 312.

Her excitement for teaching at University High School transcends a ten-point scale; her enthusiasm for interacting with students is, well, inspiring.

After teaching marine biology at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Lebental worked for three years at the Los Angeles Zoo, where she taught visiting students about animal biology and habitat comparison.

She then brought these experiences to South Gate High School, where she adapted to the classroom setting. With a move to West Los Angeles, though, Lebental was thrilled at the opportunity to teach closer to home.

“I was honored to be chosen for the position,” she said of this timely opening at Uni. “The staff has been very helpful so far, and the students are very energetic.”

This energy from students is perhaps Lebental’s favorite part of teaching.

“I usually see some blank looks on [the students’] faces at the beginning of a lesson, but watching the light bulbs in their heads turn on is very rewarding,” said Lebental.

Along with her passions for political science and environmental activism, Lebental hopes to convey the importance of science to her students.

She believes that science is the basis of society and should be more respected, especially in such a technological and scientific age.

Even Lebental drew upon the wisdom of Dr. Seuss to summarize her concern and appreciation for the world with a quote from The Lorax: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s gonna get better--it’s not.”

With Lebental on campus, everything’s getting better.