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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
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