Teachers taught us how to live
The bell rang, signaling the end of another day. As I made my way down the hall, I heard the familiar sound of lockers opening and closing, as well as the voices and laughter of my peers. I watched as some went straight for the doors, others hung around socializing, while still others stood in front of their lockers trying to figure which textbooks to bring home for the night.
But this was not all I saw and heard. There was also the familiar sight of teachers, coaches, administration and other staff members in the halls, encouraging students, joking with them, and saying goodbye for the night.
Often these same people would stay to assist the student who needed a little extra help with math. They would hang around just to chat with the student who needed a good listener. They were available to counsel and pray with any student who needed a touch from God.
My 13-year experience at Valley Christian would be nothing like it was, if it were not for the faculty.
They created a loving learning environment. They valued and cherished each student. They prayed for each of us by name every day.
They did not merely teach a subject; they taught us how to live. They taught the truth and spoke the truth. Their lives reflected what they were teaching us; and they were examples of godly men and women.
They supported us in Knowledge Bowl, sports, music and drama among other things. It was not uncommon to see them in the bleachers at sporting events cheering for us.
All in all, their constant love and devotion showed us what it meant to sacrifice and serve.
Not only have my teachers had a significant impact on my education, but so have my classmates.
I have made many friends in this small school. As a class of 32, we know just about everything there is to know about each other, the good and bad. Despite our faults, we still love each other, and it is through our faults, that we are able to support and uphold each other.
Looking back on the last nine months, I can recall a lot of memories – competing in chubby bunny, encouraging each other through the ropes course, freezing our toes off collecting goods for the food drive, sledding in such a dark place that we could not even see each other, jumping into the Spokane River when it was below freezing, winning the Ninja turtle spirit day, star-tripping ‘til we could no longer stand up, and playing Slip ‘n Slide volleyball at the spring retreat.
The laughs, the hugs, the tears, the prayers, and the fun we have shared make the memories we will cherish forever.
My time at Valley Christian has been priceless. I would not trade it for anything. The lessons I have learned, the teachers and staff I have known, and the friends I have made are what make my education so special.
Graduation is just around the corner, and my emotions are bittersweet. I’m sad to leave a community of friends and faculty who have truly blessed me and stuck with me through thick and thin, and happy to be am moving on to a new stage in my life.
I have enjoyed Valley Christian, and I will continue to enjoy it up until the last bell rings.