I had many teachers and adults who would impact my decision to become a teacher. However, I think this story most assuredly starts with my favorite eighth grade English Language Arts teacher, Mr. Davy Meister. Mr. Meister was so much more than a teacher to me though. Through the years, he would become one of my greatest cheerleaders, guides, even my friend. He was a major influence in putting me on the path that would lead me to discovering God’s plan for my life. Mr. Meister and I became close during my high school years when we both served in our church’s children's ministry. We were part of an acting, singing, and puppetry group together and we bonded well. With Mr. Meister, the performances were more improv than memorized theatre. We interacted with the kids, and ad-libbed all over the place. But I loved it. It was during performances with Caraway Street that one elderly church woman first said to me, “You’re so talented and good with kids. I think you should be a teacher.” I laughed and said thank you. It was a kind comment, but I really thought no more than a compliment
When I got to be a junior in high school Mr. Meister asked if I wanted to stay after school and help out backstage with the middle school musicals he was still directing. He needed crew and he believed me to be the woman for the job. The musical was “Honk! Jr.”, the story of the ugly duckling. That invitation would change my life. During my senior year, and into my first two years of college, I returned every semester to help Mr. Meister with every show he did. I didn’t stay a simple stage hand. He promoted me every year. Choreographer, stage manager, crew chief, finally co-director. I look back and marvel at the fact that Mr. Meister trusted a 16-20 year old student with so much responsibility. I can never repay or thank Mr. Meister enough for the experiences I had working with these musicals. I learned so much, at times managing anywhere from 50-70 middle school students backstage. I loved it and got to be involved in some incredible performances. “Annie”, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, “Snoopy: The Musical”, and “Mulan Jr.” It was through this I learned how much I enjoyed working with young people. I remember my mom saying, “If you can handle that many middle school kids and like it, you should teach!” For the first time, it wasn’t a compliment. It was an option.
The Lord was continually working on my heart and though I still desperately loved animals, but I realized that people are eternal. My heart was in making an eternal difference, not a temporary one. I felt the Lord calling me to teach, calling me to bring his love to those who are without hope. My classroom is not my job. English isn’t even my greatest passion. Teaching is not my career. My classroom is my mission field. My abilities in English is a blessing and gift. Teaching is my God-given calling. My desire is to see the Lord transform lives through my willingness to obey and become a teacher. I am incredibly blessed that God chose me for this position.