What Brought you to AHS? — Divine intervention – turning my life unexpectedly in another direction. Was given the information, an opening was available. Initially turned it down, but then felt the compelling need to “go look”. Felt the nudge to apply and go through the process.
Hobbies — I love health, healthy cooking, sport, crochet, calligraphy, watching others, watching sport, watching sport and watching sport.
Why teaching? — Went into it later in life – felt a compelling need and love to be in the classroom. Every time I would take my children to school, I felt a yearning to be there.
Education— Bachelor of Arts, University of South Africa; Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, University of South Africa.
What life experience prepared you for teaching? — First, I have 5 children – each with unique learning abilities and challenges – from gifted learner, to self-motivated, to no interest in doing homework, to dyslexia. It has softened my heart to see each student for their own abilities and strengths and to encourage where needed. Second, Coming from a country that legislated segregation, to being a part of history to demolish that lawfully, and then to integrate life and love ALL people for who they are (teaching children, not color) – seeing our common dreams, loves and hopes, brings unity through commonalities, rather than separation through comparisons and elevating ourselves. I love ALL of God’s children, equally and love to see people for their TRUE NATURES, not for the common man we carry around, our weaknesses, emotions and just life’s journey’s experiences.
Favorite Student Interaction — Not one favorite, but many throughout the school day – where we laugh together at, and with ourselves. Life is a journey, not an event. It is to be enjoyed, not just endured. We laugh a lot.
Why do you love teaching at AHS — I can teach ALL truth. It’s a happy and clean environment – everyone WANTS to be here and you can tangibly feel that bond and support. There is a team feel – we’re all on the same team with different roles and as we use our unique talents and abilities, the ultimate goal is worked towards together. You never feel like you are in a competition against fellow teachers, rather a collaborated team effort.
Legacy — I would love the children to recognize and appreciate their unique gifts and talents and to avoid comparing themselves. To know their divine inheritance – to be able to “Love as yourself” by being themselves. Trusting in the Lord and in their instincts and unique gifts. I would also love students to be kind to themselves, and know they can achieve great things. What IS their place in God’s Plan? I have a mirror on my “His Story” timeline in the place for “My place in God’s Plan” – so that they can truly see their potential as we see them.
“I would love to make learning a fun and enlightening experience, rather than a chore.”
— Mrs. Salvesen
Family
I am married to Brenton whom I met when I was 11 years old. We have 5 children and 2 children-in-law. We have been married 27 years this month.
We are both athletes and during the early years of our family Brenton continued to play volleyball competitively and myself, softball. Before our 3rd baby joined our family, I had the honor of representing our country, South Africa, at the pre-Olympic qualifiers in 1995. We came 3rd in Region 6 (Netherlands went on the Atlanta).
When our youngest was 2 years old, we had the opportunity to come to the USA for a job opportunity. After applying for the necessary work visa, it being approved, we then prayed and fasted about making the big move for our family. It was a positive yes, and 3 months later we were on the airplane with just 14 suitcases after selling our home and everything that wouldn’t fit in those few bags.
We were determined to stay in status and renewed our work visa while starting the laboriously long process of labor certification, work authorization and ultimately permanent residence applications. During this process, my husband served as bishop at a BYU YSA ward. We learned to “wait on the Lord” and were blessed with permanent residence after 8 long years. We currently have 2 more years to wait until we can apply for citizenship. We have felt the Lord’s hand along our entire journey and have trusted in the feelings and impressions we felt.
We have loved our life’s journey. We have cried many tears together, turned to the Lord for support and strength, and have rejoiced in good choices and accomplishments, along with being ever grateful for Heavenly Father’s hand in our journey. Oh and we laugh at lot at home. I still laugh at my husband’s jokes that I have heard a million times – no exaggeration.
