When created by our Creator we were already special before birth. We learn as we grow up that we have certain personality traits, and even certain potential skills. Sometimes it takes years to learn what those skills are—by trial and error--and then we work toward honing those skills for perhaps a career choice.

When I began college at about 38 years old, I only knew I’d find out what God had planned for me to do. I thought I’d go into art, but even though those classes were enjoyable, I discover my talents weren’t all that good. Always liking to write, I turned my major into teaching high school English and or literature. But when I finished my degree, I was clueless as to what next step to take.

So, in the meantime, I went by Seminole Set College, and was going to ask if they needed substitutes.

However, in the parking lot I asked someone about it and the lady said they didn’t use substitutes. I was going to get back in my car and go home. But, I got a little nudge (from God?) to go on in and ask anyway.

It just so happened that Vice President Dr. Medlock invited me in his office, then I told him about my search. He seemed strangely relieved, and asked if I’d taken certain English classes at this college.

I had. Then he asked if I’d be interested in teaching, at first, the lower level classes because the teacher had just moved on to another university to teach. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! He handed me paperwork to fill out, and I was to begin working in a few weeks!

I don’t believe in luck, or opportunities happening just by chance, or just by coincidence. I believe this was a ‘Godwink’…in other words God was watching and winked at me to say, ’Trust me. I’m in control of your destiny.’

Have you ever had a job that was so enjoyable that you thought how incredible to get paid for this too!

That’s what happened. In my heart, I was wanting opportunities to help people in needed skills that were always fun and easy for me. I remember high school English and literature classes over 20 years before. So many students were bored and uncaring. My applications I created to help students here was to make it more enjoyable. The most memorable thing I did was to allow students to share their paper on explaining how to do something. They could stand before the class and bring visual aids and just share— no speech—just share, not necessarily look at the class, then hand in a paper for grading. I’d give them 5 bonus points.

What I had learned beforehand was that most students dreaded speech class the most and usually would take it last. This opportunity was their first step in getting in front of a class, and would prepare them for that speech class.

(Actually some told me they used their presentations later in their speech classes! So, it had prepared them.

My idea came when I had read these kinds of papers my first year here, and thought, ‘Man, if only the class could hear how to give CPR, how diabetics took insulin, how to change a flat, how to make and use a potato gun, how to bake a certain foo, how to sell a car, how to handle a gun properly, as well as how to clean one (they could only bring parts of a gun.) And on and on... I took pictures of most of these showing what they brought to class and made a scrapbook.

When I allowed those (whose subject was food) to bring the food to class and share with everybody, it was a hit! Then one day, word must have gotten around, because Dr. Medlock came in the back door and just sit in back.

He watched for some time and, then quietly walked out! He never said anything.

I always began my English classes explaining that this is not like high school. This is a class to prepare you for future jobs. At that time, police officers had to hand write their reports after work. I was told if one word was used wrongly, it could make the difference in whether one one to prison or not. Think of medical reports…So, written skills were more important than they ever thought.

I established the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society for SSC. We raised funds to give scholarships, too. It helped students in many ways, especially in leadership. Working in it was a highlight of my time there. I met many good employees at Seminole State. I retired in ’08 and still have friends there .Many of these memories came as I attended the Retirement Breakfast given this past week. I hadn’t seen some of the instructors since I had retired.

It was most enjoyable to be brought up to date as President Lana Reynolds reviewed so many activities.

We are so fortunate to have such an institution in our town. The grounds are beautiful and immaculate, and the opportunities are boundless, as it expands its varied training programs. Because the doors ‘opened’ for me to work there, my life continues to become enriched. I never want to stop learning!

That boosts my interest in life in general. What a ‘Godwink!’ God had for me. (This term was created by Squire Rushnell, who has published books using that word in the titles.) They make inspiring reading and great gifts. Rushnell’s incredible life is worth researching.

Thank you, Lord, for continuing my blessings! I try passing them on to others.

X