​My Story: From Struggle to Service in Public Education
This story is a tribute to all the influential people in my life who have made a significant impact. It's not just about where I started and how far I've come in my journey but also about recognizing the people who influenced me the most in my educational experience.
These individuals, including teachers and mentors, played a crucial role in my journey, providing support, guidance, and encouragement when I needed it the most. I hope this story inspires struggling students in our district who may feel the same way I felt as a K-12 student.
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My desire to become a teacher was always strong, but not for the reasons you might expect. You might be anticipating a story about a young girl who excelled in all subjects and was the epitome of academic success. However, my story is quite different. It's a story of perseverance and determination. Let me take you on this journey.​
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
My educational journey began in 1988 as a preschool student in Richland, MI. I attended a Young Fives program for children who did not meet the proficiency on a kindergarten entry test. The following year, I would begin kindergarten. I was a child full of curiosity, unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.
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Growing up, I faced numerous hurdles in school, making each day a battle. Struggling silently with an undiagnosed learning disability, I consistently lagged behind my peers and found learning to be very challenging. Reading was difficult for me as I struggled to pay attention. To escape moments of anxiety, I often daydreamed in the classroom.
Using ineffective reading strategies such as round-robin reading and off-task combat reading profoundly impacted my perception of school and self-esteem.
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In fourth grade, I remember having to walk across the room in front of my peers, being pulled out of class and spending time in the resource room. Another confusing experience was not understanding what was wrong with me and why I struggled to learn how to read. There are so many questions for a young student to have to ask.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
In the fall of 1996, I began middle school, which was even more challenging time both personally and academically, signifying the beginning of a downward spiral that would lie ahead. I found myself falling farther and farther behind, feeling confused and anxious. I became a troubled teen who didn't care about school anymore and had lost any remaining spark left.
HIGH SCHOOL
In 1999, starting high school was more challenging than I had anticipated. The classes were difficult, and I struggled to keep up with the material. Eventually, I began skipping school regularly; my grades were suffering, and I was on the brink of not graduating, a prospect that filled me with anxiety daily.
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As the first year of high school was wrapping up, we experienced the Columbine school massacre, which had a profound effect on me as a high school student. My struggles were compounded by the national shock of the Columbine school massacre, deepening the anxiety about school safety in my already troubled teenage life. School became a place I wanted to escape from, and skipping class became my norm.
I discovered that I had missed at least 40 school days and only earned three credits going into my sophomore year. Instead of giving up, I decided to take control of my situation. I advocated for myself and saw a medical professional, a decision that would change my life.
After several months of testing, I was finally diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD), a condition that had silently plagued my life. Finally, it all made sense. I realized what I had been struggling with and that it wasn't all my fault. This diagnosis was a relief and a daunting realization of the catch-up game I had to play for the next three years, a time that felt like an eternity.
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Even after receiving a diagnosis, I continued to struggle to function in a traditional classroom setting. I often daydreamed, sat in class, and doodled to distract myself from paying attention. Overcoming these challenges was difficult, but I was determined to graduate by having to attend evening courses at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a local community center in order to graduate on time. It was tough, but I was committed to meeting the minimum requirements to graduate.
In the fall of 2001, at the start of my senior year, I was in Mr. Gary Sprague's political science class when we witnessed the horrifying events of September 11, 2001, as the Twin Towers fell. This was the second U.S. tragedy of my high school years. Seeing this disaster unfold made me realize how external crises can profoundly impact students' lives and learning environments. It wasn't just a historical event but deeply personal to our community.
A fellow GLHS graduate tragically passed away in this tragedy - Bradley (Brad) Hoorn, Gull Lake High School, Class of 1997. These events and my personal struggles made my high school years a time of profound growth and learning.
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In the same year, I enrolled in an Education for Employment (EFE) program. I was assigned as a lifeguard at the YMCA pool inside Lincoln International Studies School in Kalamazoo. This experience allowed me to develop essential workforce skills and provided a life-changing opportunity. It was my first time working with children in a K-12 public school setting, and I also had the chance to provide swimming and aquatic lessons to neighborhood residents.
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During my senior year, I was more determined than ever to graduate on time. I vividly recall standing at Mr. Sprague's desk on one of the last days of the school year, knowing that my graduation hinged on his decision. I was consumed with worry, fearing the worst if he didn't pass me. I had put in so much effort to turn things around. When he informed me that I had passed, a wave of relief swept over me. Mr. Sprague was one of the individuals who had a profound impact on my life.
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Finally, in the spring of 2002, I proudly received my diploma from Gull Lake High School, with a GPA of 2.071. The sense of relief and accomplishment was overwhelming. I had overcome numerous obstacles, and this moment was a testament to my perseverance and determination.