There are many key moments in my life that have influenced me and have helped me become the woman I am today. It was almost difficult to narrow down just five key points, however, I came up with the most influential moments that have impacted my life. These moments include the closure of our grocery store, finding a new job, my family, returning to school and graduation.
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The first moment was the closure of our grocery store. We live in a community of approximately 3500 people, there is another grocery store in our town, and the convenience of a Wal-Mart thirty miles east and west of our town. With the struggle to make our finances meet, we were forced to close our doors. This was a difficult time in my life and also for my husband. Thoughts and doubts plagued our minds, “Why was it us?” We both questioned what greater plan does God have in store for us. So with our eyes focused on God and trusting in His greater plan, we continued on living by faith and trusting that He will see us through.
Photo CC- By: Alan Levine
With the closure of a business, we were forced to find work else where. There was always a special place in my heart for teaching, but I didn’t have the self-confidence in myself that I could go to school and become a teacher. As it turned out, there was a job opening in our local school for a para-educator. I took a chance, prayed for God’s guidance and got the job! I was thrilled. From the first moment I walked into the school, there was this sense of calm and peace about myself that this is where I am supposed to be. I found great encouragement from my colleagues that I should pursue a teaching career. Here was another area where I prayed for God’s guidance and direction. Was this something that I was supposed to do? Go back to school at my age. I would be a nontraditional, older student, and a mom. After several years, I took the giant step and decided I would do it. I went back to school.
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Returning to school was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I left my job and our family’s extra income. It was years since I had stepped into a classroom and I have never taken an online course. It was difficult to run a household, take care of my family and find time to study for my classes. It became even harder when my family was doing something fun and I need to sit at the table and study. Or when my daughters, just need their mom to sit and play and ask “You still have to study!” It’s times like this that question my decision, but I just remember that God put me here and gave me this opportunity. I know that He has a plan for me and I am going to keep on trusting Him! My husband and daughters have been my greatest cheerleaders. My family has all helped me see that I can do this. I can be a teacher.
Photo CC- By: Conway Suz
Another milestone in my life was last May when I graduated from Mid Plains Community College with my Associate of Science Degree. It was definitely a rewarding experience walking across that stage and hear my name that I have completed some of my schooling. I know that I am not done yet, but I am going to keep on trusting God with His plans for my life.
Photo CC- By: Charles W. Karl
JaimeBurkink 
Jamie thank you for sharing your learning experiences. I can’t tell you how amazing it is that you are taking that step to becoming a teacher. I am currently a high school teacher and I love my job. It’s funny when I was younger I spent all my weekdays at school and then on the weekends I would be right back in the school working in the gym. I too found the school to be almost like my sanctuary when I was younger and it still is today. I look forward to reading more of your blogs!
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Thanks Katy for your comments to my blog post. I smiled when your wrote that your younger days you spent almost all your time at school! Its neat that you are now a high school teacher and love your job!
Jaime
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Jaime, I loved this post! You were so open and truly chose five moments in your life that really impacted the person you are today. I love how much focus you are placing on God, and this is truly the best way to go about our lives! I am sorry for the struggles you have encountered, but I am also excited for you and the opportunities that have come to you through your obstacles. You have such a wonderful outlook and I am really inspired how you truly seem to look to God and the positive in everything you do! Congratulations on your recent graduation and I wish you all the best in your future goals in both school and life!
Brittney Allen
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Hello Brittney, thanks for your comments to my blog post. Thank you for your well wishes and encouragement. I have found that my life works so much better when I put my faith and total trust in God.
Jaime
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I just loved this post! Such a thoughtful and even moving story of how you decided to become an educator. You are right: life takes us to places we never expected and gives us challenges that aren’t always fun but do help us grow. I can imagine that it’s very hard to balance the needs (and demands!) of children with schoolwork. When I bring work home, my son struggles! He wants me paying attention to him, which I totally understand. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts and learning along with you this semester.
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Thank you Mrs. Ellington for your nice comments to my post. Life is so exciting as it takes us to places we never could even dream!! I understand how it can be hard to balance school and children, like you too! I am so thankful that my family understands!
Jaime
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Jaime, as a sort of non- -traditional student myself I sympathize with your concerns as they are mine as well. I also found your faith admirable. As someone who is non-religious myself, I don’t quite understand it but I am glad that it brings you comfort and strength through hard times.
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Thanks for your comments! Being a college students does require a lot of time and self disciple. However, it will be worth it in the end!
Jaime
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