Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2015

My field experience for the elementary education program was with sixth graders at a Christian school, and I was miserable the whole week! I felt awkward, I couldn’t connect with the kids, I had to dress up, I didn’t think I could be spiritual enough, and I didn’t enjoy any of it! As I wrote my response paper, I had no confidence in myself and thought that I had probably picked the wrong career. I was waiting for Merlin Ager ’60 , my adviser, to tell me to hit the road and find another major! Instead, he encouraged me not to give up and helped me work through my fears and doubts. It turns out that I just didn’t enjoy sixth graders! (Still don’t!) And public school teaching was where God was calling me to serve. I ended up going on to become an elementary teacher and have spent many years working with younger students and special needs students in the public schools. Teaching is truly my God-given calling and passion. I will be forever grateful for Dr. Ager’s encouragement and belief in me! JOANNA (GRISSOM) EHLERS ’95 Brian Burns ’95 was over us at the time I served on the Student Center Activity Board (SCAB). I grew so much as a leader under him. I learned how to inspire others, how to work hard, and how to go the extra mile. He always pushed us to do better and to do the very best we could in everything, if it was emceeing an event, planning a concert, vacuuming popcorn, or decorating the SSC all night for Christmas. ANDY CHESTERMAN ’10 Teena (Coronato) Bryson ’86 with Jane Travis, and James Phipps ’68 Jane Travis , who worked in the bakery at Chuck’s, was my mentor and friend. James Phipps ’68 was my spiritual encouragement while I was going through some trials. God provided him with great wisdom. Sherri (Wilson) Patterson ’84 with Pat Dixon If it were not for Mrs. Dixon , I probably would not have graduated. She got me back on track after struggling with too many classes in the wrong major. She helped me learn how to take the necessary steps at the right pace to complete my degree. I will forever be grateful to God for her. I will never forget Dwayne Frank ’60 and what he did for me 46 years ago while I was student teaching. I had a very positive experience in my first half of student teaching sixth grade. The teacher I worked with was very positive, encouraging, and friendly. For the second half, I was going to be with a teacher who was thought to be unfriendly and did not relate well to students and fellow teachers. I dreaded the transition and Dr. Frank understood. On my first day with the new teacher, I was feeling down. I looked up and Dr. Frank came into the room. He talked to me in the hallway and said, “I thought you could use a friend today.” I was touched by Dr. Frank’s thoughtfulness, and I have never forgotten it. I was not even a student of Dr. Frank, yet his caring, sensitive, and nurturing heart caused him to drive all the way to my school when he was so busy. ROBERT PEREIRA ’69 Judy (Runge) King ‘86 with Dan Estes ’74 One day I stayed after Inductive Methods of Bible Study class to speak with Dan Estes ’74 , ashamed for not having the work completed, close to tears, and considering dropping out. With great compassion, he listened to my explanation, prayed with me, and then offered me a way to keep up. I was so touched and later realized what a picture of grace he was illustrating for me. He later sent me a personal note of encouragement through intercampus mail, which spoke volumes to my heart. I am delighted that my son Andrew can experience Cedarville now, too. Thank you, Dr. Estes! Cedarville Magazine | 15