Why do you love AHS? — I love how all of God’s truths are intertwined into every subject at American Heritage. A person’s mind, heart, and body are truly educated.
What have you learned at AHS? — I have learned that “where love is there God is also.” I have never worked in a place where there is so much love and caring for one another.
Favorite Student Interaction — I love to have past students come into my room for a hug. They often look around the room and say, “Oh, I remember doing that. I loved kindergarten.” I also love going to past students baptisms and wedding receptions.
Education — Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, BYU.
Curriculum Highlight — I have enjoyed studying the Christian History Timeline. History was just a collection of facts until I researched each link on the timeline and saw how each event was perfectly orchestrated to show how Christ is indeed the focal point of history. He guides all that happens on this earth for His purposes.
Why Teaching? — I take no credit for my desire and ability to teach. I feel it was truly a gift given to me from my Heavenly Father and I thank Him daily for it. Other than being with my family, I can’t think of any greater joy I get from life than being in a classroom teaching.
Family — I am a home grown Utah girl who was raised in Pleasant Grove when you could hike, explore, and ride horses in the foot hills which hardly exist anymore. Of course, I met my California sweetheart while attending college at BYU. Luckily, he agreed to stay in this area so we could be close to family. I gave birth to three children and then we were guided to our four additional children from Korea and India. So I guess you could say we are an international family.
Favorite Vacation Spot — My family’s favorite vacation spot is at our cabin in Island Park, Idaho. My husband’s grandfather bought property there and gave each of his children a lot. They all built cabins next to each other. So every summer was spent associating with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Since then many of the next generation have purchased cabins in that area so the tradition has continued. The family roots are deep there.
“One of my favorite quotes is: “I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care.” My greatest dream is that all of my students walk out of my room knowing that they were loved and that they are special children of our Heavenly Father with divine gifts and potential.”
— Mrs. Strong
What Life Experience prepared you to teach at AHS?
I remember sitting on my bed one day crying because my second grade son could not read. I wondered how he would ever be able to support a family. Somehow he was blessed with the realization that Heavenly Father had a plan for him to succeed and he was diligent in seeking that plan. He is now the father of four children. He did learn to read and went on to earn his MBA. He now has a great job that provides for his family well.
As I work with children in my classroom who struggle, I try hard to help them feel success and realize that even though learning seems hard, Heavenly Father has a plan for them if they will only have faith and trust in him.
