As a married woman, my life changed paths. Suddenly I had a husband to consider and we tried to
merge our interests. We eventually moved to Missouri where I found myself teaching a class at church
on Wednesday nights. Children from all backgrounds in the community attended and learned character
lessons while learning music and hearing stories.
As my children grew older I looked for a side gig while I home schooled my children.. I found an online
teaching platform and started to teach English to children in Asia. The company encouraged their
teachers to get certifications and exercise personal development. I obtained my TEFL (Teaching English
as a Foreign Language) and my TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language). I loved my time with
these children and was heartbroken when foreign relationships changed and I was no longer able to
teach my sweet students. I still maintain lasting relationships with some of the families who touched my
life.
I was then at a crucial point in my career. My children were in college and no longer needed my skills as
a home school teacher. The sky was the limit with career paths; however, a friend noticed and commented
about the City of Refuge’s need for ESL teachers. I reached out to find out more about their needs and
ended up applying for the position as an Americorp VISTA so that I could serve at this amazing nonprofit.
I had never considered working for a nonprofit and I had never even heard about Americorp! I was a
complete newbie! With my husband’s support and even encouragement, I accepted the position and
have had the most amazing experiences. My fellow VISTAs are amazing people and ones that I would
have never met otherwise. My eyes have been opened to the poverty in our communities and also to
the opportunities we have to change lives.
My job specifically is to help with financial literacy in regards to education and employment. I get to
create materials to help educate refugees and immigrants about financial literacy. I get to aid in capacity
building so that my amazing City of Refuge coworkers have the tools they need to further their great
work with these wonderful people.
I daily count myself blessed that I am able to work at the City of Refuge and with the people I do. I feel
strongly that what I do makes a difference in lives. And isn’t that what we all want? To make a
difference? To know that, when we leave this world, someone will say, “My life is better because she
touched it.”.
Jude 1:22 (KJV) And of some have compassion, making a difference:
We are so grateful to have you at COR, Stef!
ReplyDeleteAw...thanks!
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