Perceived Value - Deep Thoughts

My senior year in college, I was voted, “Most likely to be living with her parents.” My friends said it was because I was always going home to Allen. I moved to Allen in seventh grade and oh how I loved being an Allen Eagle. I had so much respect and love for my teachers at Allen High School and we had so much school spirit. I had always wanted to be a teacher, but frankly couldn’t afford to go into the profession until I was married and had kids. I think starting salary for a teacher in Allen in 1989 was $12,000. When I finally became a teacher in 2014, I truly felt like it was a calling from God. He put me where I needed to be. I taught in Allen for eight years, but thought I needed a change. I was offered a job this year in Sherman and the pieces fell into place. It was easy, they offered me the job during the interview. Once again, God was telling me what I needed to do and leading me where I needed to be.

I have really felt like I am doing God’s work more than ever this year. Jesus taught us to love one another and help those less fortunate. Sherman has a lot more low-income students than Allen. I have delivered food to students to eat over the holidays, at their homes, collected cans in my classroom and asked friends for donations. It has been so wonderful to see how many friends from church and Facebook have truly come through for these kids when I asked for help with clothing and food. Working together with my students over the break we made lunches for those less fortunate. This brought pure joy to my heart and built relationships with my students. It feels good to help others. I think it is important for kids to see adults leading by example and giving back. I have had two students tell me this year that I am their “school mom.” Teachers are supporting kids and more impacting lives more than we will ever know. In return, we are given the greatest joy of knowing we are making an impact, changing lives and doing God’s work every day.

Kelly O’Hair

Teacher, Sherman High School