What brought you to LCA, and how has LCA shaped who you are today?
I came to LCA in 8th grade. My brother had attended and my parents felt it would be a better school for me than the middle school I was attending. LCA helped give me the courage to try new things. I am somewhat of an introvert, wasn’t an athlete and hadn’t really found what I enjoyed, but once I got here I began to try sports. I tried field hockey, cheerleading and basketball. I didn’t necessarily have natural athleticism or ability, but one thing with LCA is I was able to just try. You can’t fail here. I really felt like LCA was an extremely safe place where you could try, you could do things you’d never done. As a cheerleader, we didn’t win a national championship or anything but I got to go to camps and it was very much a part of who I was, and it became my circle, and it’s how I met most of my friends. If I wanted to try anything, I felt that I could. I learned a lot through team sports. Being involved in a team whether it be drama or whatever, I just think it is important. I always went to small schools and I think my daughter is even trying sports even though she didn’t grow up playing. Later in my Senior year I became chaplain of my student body.
What activities were you involved in while a student?
I had a brief season of Basketball & Field Hockey, but I loved Cheerleading, Yearbook Team and Senior year, Chaplin of the Student Body. Yearbook was because my husband, Mo (Maurice Christmas ‘92) was in YearBook, and there’s a picture in the yearbook where he’s looking over my shoulder and we weren’t even in a relationship at the time, and now we’re married! I never got involved in photography or editing but it exposed me to something different and having perks to a heavy academic schedule. As far as being a Chaplain, I tried to show other students what faith could look like. Because I was at a Christian school it caused me to take a deeper step in my faith and it helped me develop my leadership skills. Mo and I were youth leaders for 15 years later on. I’m not a huge public speaker but being Chaplain gave me the tools. I’m not a courageous person and I’m more of an introvert and it’s not something I initially thought I could do, but it helped me to find out I could. Josh Bennett was in my class and he was super quiet but I saw him step out and lead, so I just noticed other people around me leading and it encouraged me to do the same.
Which faculty members impacted you the most while at LCA?
Mr. Hoffman was my chemistry teacher. He always allowed everyone to ask questions and would not fail you unless you just didn’t try. That was the class I asked the most questions in because I felt comfortable to do so. He allowed me to feel like no question was a stupid question. Mrs. McPherson was my cheerleading coach. She was a ball of energy, encouragement and always wanting you to succeed. And I have to include Coach Irene Campbell. She taught us from day one that no matter if it’s gym class, running suicides or in a game, we all support ALL the time.
Tell us about the road to your career and your role and responsibilities in your current job.
I currently serve as Executive Administrative Assistant to my Senior Pastors. I have always liked helping people and being in the background assisting. I wasn’t sure how I could do that and make money because those roles are not always paid well. I was in the medical field as an administrative assistant in various roles and when I had my children I had to shift. I always wanted to come alongside people. Aiding and assisting people has always given me fulfillment. As long as I was doing something to help people, it gave me fulfillment and purpose.
What is some advice you would give the next generation of LCA Students?
Soak in all the culture you have at the school. Ask about different traditions your friend’s families celebrate, the foods they eat, and listen to the stories of everyone. Enjoy your community. Set the standard and lead/protect/guide your younger classmates.
Tell us about becoming an LCA parent and what excites you most about this time.
I’m excited to see my daughter grow in a community that will push her to be the best version of herself and fulfill the call God has on her life. I know she wants to be a director of the children’s department here at our church some day and being in a Christian environment will help her balance getting a degree and keeping her faith. Also, how everyone holds themselves is amazing. I was looking for something in the school when I came to visit LCA and one of the students helped me and looked me in the eyes and asked me if I needed help finding what I was looking for. My daughter’s friends from her public school never did that. The social skills, and even the current phone policy that kids can’t have their phones during the day is great! They are small adjustments in habits, but they are looking at the big changes. LCA sees the big picture.
How has your faith guided your life after graduating from LCA?
I have gone through many challenges in my life since graduating high school. Those were the easy days. But through every challenge, every unknown and every failure God has been beside me, before me and behind me. Without my God I would not be living my life. Because my relationship with God is top priority I can live life to the fullest.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Staying a few steps ahead in the details. I feel like my job pushes me, and I have to be close with God to know what I’m supposed to do and how I’m supposed to do it. I know I have to be Spirit-filled to know what I am to do next in order to problem solve, adjust, and deal.
Are there any reflections you would like to add?
I feel like being in a small school, I felt enough security to try hard things. LCA was that for me.