Where did you graduate from high school? I graduated from Lake Weir High School in Ocala, Florida.
Growing up, what was your dream job? As a kid, I always played like I was the teacher. I think that I knew what God was calling me to be.
When did you first come to know the Lord? My father was a pastor. I would say that I became a Christian at the age of 5.
Do you feel that growing up in a family that knew the Lord shaped how you thought about your future? Yes, the definition of a successful life was modeled for me. I learned to think about using God's gifts and what He created me to do. The world defines success differently, but as Christians we think about living according to His will and His plans for us. We understand that our treasures are in heaven, and that living out God's calling is one way to store up that treasure.
Did you attend college? Where did you go? I attended Samford University, a small Christian college in Birmingham, Alabama.
How did you decide to attend Samford University? One of my friends from church had an older brother who went to Samford. I toured several colleges, but when I walked on Samford's campus, I knew that was where I was meant to be.
What was your major? Did you ever change it? Initially, I studied exercise science, with the intention of becoming a physical therapist. After one semester, I changed my major to mathematics. I knew that God was calling me to be a teacher and not a PT.
How did you know that physical therapy was not the right path at the time? What nudge was God giving you? It all started in high school. I was asked to teach a class, and I was good at it. I knew I was supposed to teach, but instead I was focused on a salary. I tried to go a different direction, even though deep down I knew God had given me certain gifts. I knew that I needed to stop fighting those gifts.
How has God used your training in college to shape you into the educator you are today? I decided that I wanted to earn my degree in mathematics so I could gain a broader knowledge of math, rather than earning an education degree with a math emphasis. My original plan was to go for a fifth year and get my master's degree in education, but right after college, I ended up becoming an au pair in Switzerland.
How did God use your experience of being an au pair to further prepare you to teach? God opened my eyes to what else is in the world. The experience gave me new perspectives on how others live and how God has created them. I think it has helped me be able to relate to a diverse group of students.
What advice would you give to 18-year-olds today when thinking about planning for their futures? Take your time becoming an adult. Enjoy college or your time of independence and learning. Travel overseas, see the world, and don't be afraid.
