At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Brittany was given a special task. She was asked to create a new elective class that would truly grab the students’ attention. She wanted something that felt different from a standard English lesson. She chose Greek mythology.
Brittany picked mythology because it offers a perfect escape. It allows students to step away from their own lives for a short time and enter a world of gods, monsters, and magic. But it is about more than just entertainment. These ancient stories are filled with deep ethical messages. They often follow the "hero’s journey," which is a path many of her students can relate to in their own ways.
The class is only one term long, but it has already made a huge impact. Students like Bella signed up because they already had a love for these legends. For Bella, mythology is an accessible way to learn about things that exist outside of our normal world. It opens doors to new ideas without feeling like a chore.
This isn't a class where students just sit silently and read old books. It is incredibly interactive. The room is often filled with the sound of students talking and debating. One of their favorite topics is comparing the "epic heroes" of the past with the modern "superheroes" we see in theaters today. They look at what the filmmakers changed from the original myths read in class and why they might have made those choices.
To help bring the stories to life, the class watches classic movies like Clash of the Titans, Troy, and The Legend of Hercules. After the credits roll, the real work begins. The students analyze the films and discuss "creative license." They look at what the filmmakers changed from the original myths and why they might have made those choices.
Right now, a student can only take this class once. However, Brittany is already dreaming of ways to grow the program. She hopes to develop more curriculum so that students can keep coming back with plans to eventually expand the curriculum to include courses focused on Norse and Egyptian mythology.
Brittany Yanasak has created something truly special at Indy Met. It is more than just a history or reading class. She has built a safe space where students can breathe, dream, and find their own voices through the legends of the past. While they study the gods and monsters of ancient times, these students are also learning about their own strength and potential. By bringing these old stories to life, Brittany is helping a new generation of heroes write their own bright futures.
If you’d like more information about Indy Met, visit their website at www.https://indianapolismet.org.