Student Spotlight: Katrina’s Story

For as long as I can remember, when somebody would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer came immediately: a kindergarten teacher. Today, I still want to major in Elementary Education. Helping children grow in their knowledge and imagination always has been and always will be one of my greatest passions.

All of my life I have been surrounded by younger children. I grew up with a little sister, am the oldest of eight cousins, and have helped out with kids at my church for as long as I can remember. I am most comfortable when I am around children. It is just how God has uniquely wired me.

Children are our future. Their minds are so full of life, always asking questions and wanting to know more about the world. Their spirits have not yet been tainted by the reality of how difficult life can sometimes be. For them, a piece of paper is an arrow to throw and a little hill in the yard is a mountain to climb. I am inspired by their curiosity, passion and faith. We have so much to learn from them. This is why Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 18: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” I want to spend the rest of my life serving others, especially children. I want to help them grow into the young men and women they have been created to be. I want to protect them, to teach them how much God loves them, and to help them become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

I especially have a passion for working with inner city kids. When I was in eighth grade, my parents made the choice to move me to an urban, classical Christian school which was extremely diverse. It was one of the best decisions they could have made for me. Surrounding myself with people who came from different cultures, races, and income levels was extremely eye opening. It helped me get rid of stereotypes that I did not even realize that I subconsciously believed. Without this experience, I would have missed out on meeting most of my dearest friends. I also may have never developed such a passion for urban education. The disparity between urban and suburban education, even in our own country, is a great injustice that I believe Christ would want the church to address.

The idea of being a teacher in the city can be intimidating, but I believe that God has called me to be a light in a place that is often overlooked. I have no doubt in my mind that He will provide me with the resources to prepare me.

– Katrina, grade 12