Press Release
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I’ve been teaching for 32 years in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, 12 of those at Bishop John Carroll. Over the years, I’ve taught English, Reading, and Catholic Doctrine, and it’s been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
When I semi-retired three years ago, I realized how much I missed the classroom, the children, the joy, and being part of their faith journey. Sometimes I think I learn more from my students than they learn from me. Their innocence and generosity constantly inspire me to respond more fully to God’s call.
In today’s world, it’s easy to lose sight of our purpose. But I believe our purpose is rooted in our relationship with God, through love, service, and the hope of eternal joy. God is always patiently waiting for us to respond, and I try to mirror that patience with my students.
Through literature, we explore values and choices, lessons that help students grow both intellectually and spiritually. My hope is that they always know they are worthy of God’s love and leave with the tools they need to face life with faith and confidence.
At the end of the day, if I’ve helped even one student feel seen, loved, and closer to God, then I’ve done what I was called to do. Teaching isn't just my career, it’s my vocation, and it's a privilege to walk alongside these young hearts as they discover who they are and how deeply they are loved by God.
Bishop John Carroll has always held a very special place in my heart. I’ve been blessed to teach here for 17 of my 22 years in education, primarily in 1st and 2nd grade. One of the things I cherish most about our school is its beautiful diversity, especially the Vietnamese community, which holds a particularly special place in my heart. I deeply admire the culture, the warmth of the families, and the unwavering support of the parents. From the very beginning, this school community has been incredibly welcoming.
One of the many things that makes Bishop John Carroll so unique is our intentional celebration of our students' traditions and cultures. It’s truly wonderful to come together as a community for events like Tết and the celebration of Our Lady of La Vang. In these joyful moments, our students are immersed in the richness of cultural expression and the universal beauty of our Catholic faith. They learn through experience just how vibrant and diverse our Church truly is.
We also hold our Catholic identity very closely here at BJCCS. In my classroom, my students have the opportunity to pray together daily, lifting up their own intentions and supporting one another in faith. This simple yet powerful practice reinforces our sense of community and fosters meaningful relationships among the students.
But perhaps the most lasting impact we make goes beyond academics. The relationships we form with our students are what truly endure. At Bishop John Carroll, we are not only teachers, we are mentors and guides, walking alongside our students even after they graduate. One of the greatest joys is seeing former students return to visit, reminding us that the connections we build, sometimes through nothing more than a listening ear at recess, are a ministry in themselves. It’s in those simple, everyday moments that trust is built and hearts are formed.
I’m grateful to be part of a community that celebrates diversity, honors our Catholic faith, and values the relationships we build with our students.
I could not have done this work on my own. The Holy Spirit has been a very real presence through the years; in the support of the families and parish, and with volunteers and mentors along the way.
I am extremely grateful to this parish for believing in me, trusting me with their children and, most of all, for being my spiritual family. May God bless and keep each of you in His loving care.
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