Featured Alumnus - April 2020
The four years students spend in high school really do help change them in previously unexplored ways. The pressure of adulthood arises for the first time, while students still feel and act like kids. We use the term “find themselves,” and truly this is what happens for students in high school. For those four influential years, I had the privilege of attending Chicago Christian High School. Walking in as a freshman, I took for granted all that Chicago Christian had to offer me not only academically as a student but also as a developing Christian. To be honest, I wasn’t the top of my class, I often found myself getting into trouble, and I skated by acting like a Christian but not owning my own faith. The reason why I am grateful for Chicago Christian is for the teachers that looked past all of the immature antics and saw my potential as a student, an athlete, and a Christian. Every teacher I had cared about me like I was their son—yes, I did have my mother as a teacher; but this isn’t what I am talking about. It was a kind of love and compassion that I realized can be compared to the love God has for his children. No matter how far I run, He will always be there for me when I am ready to return to him. Teachers such as Mrs. Lavery, Mrs. Vilendrer, Mr. Broene, Mrs. Roozeboom, and Mr. Pittman were all very significant people showing me this love and grace all throughout my time at Chicago Christian. I appreciated their authenticity in the way they would teach and in the way they would speak to me or advise me.
Back
After Chicago Christian, I attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa where I started as a Business Education major and received a scholarship to play on their Men’s soccer team. During my second year, I started to feel that I wasn’t on the right career path, so I switched majors to Physical Education and a minor in Sports Management. I recently finished my Master’s degree in Sports Management and Leadership in Sports.
After college, I declined several jobs around the U.S. only to accept a job where I felt called in the neighborhood of Auburn Gresham-Englewood in Chicago. When I accepted the job, I didn’t know if I was going to be paid for my time, but I accepted it regardless. During that year, I received the Teacher of the Year Award in our district of all the Chicago Public Schools. Shortly after this award, I was offered a job at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in their Physical Education, Health, and Wellness Department. I teach 3rd-12th grade students in various activities that range from yoga, resistance training, swimming, CPR, lifeguarding, and adventure education to classic team sports and invasion activities. In addition to my role as a teacher at the school, I coach the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. The girls’ team finished 4th in the state of Illinois two seasons ago, and our boys' team finished as IHSA State Champions this 2019 season.
I have a passion for life-long learning and facilitating student’s passions. Teaching at Perspectives Charter Schools helped influence my views on equality and the importance of celebrating differences. I work to be a teacher that empowers students to celebrate one another and to challenge the norm of our way of life. We are all unique individuals and all made in the image of God. My challenge is to portray all of these things to my students without speaking about my faith openly. My goal is to help create life-long learners of physical activity and health so students may find their niche activity to enjoy for the rest of their lives and also become great stewards of our world.
After college, I declined several jobs around the U.S. only to accept a job where I felt called in the neighborhood of Auburn Gresham-Englewood in Chicago. When I accepted the job, I didn’t know if I was going to be paid for my time, but I accepted it regardless. During that year, I received the Teacher of the Year Award in our district of all the Chicago Public Schools. Shortly after this award, I was offered a job at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in their Physical Education, Health, and Wellness Department. I teach 3rd-12th grade students in various activities that range from yoga, resistance training, swimming, CPR, lifeguarding, and adventure education to classic team sports and invasion activities. In addition to my role as a teacher at the school, I coach the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. The girls’ team finished 4th in the state of Illinois two seasons ago, and our boys' team finished as IHSA State Champions this 2019 season.
I have a passion for life-long learning and facilitating student’s passions. Teaching at Perspectives Charter Schools helped influence my views on equality and the importance of celebrating differences. I work to be a teacher that empowers students to celebrate one another and to challenge the norm of our way of life. We are all unique individuals and all made in the image of God. My challenge is to portray all of these things to my students without speaking about my faith openly. My goal is to help create life-long learners of physical activity and health so students may find their niche activity to enjoy for the rest of their lives and also become great stewards of our world.
On my desk, posted where everyone can see, is my list of “Whys”. Why do I do what I do? On the top of that list is to live and love like Jesus. Secondly, I teach because I was blessed with amazing teachers; therefore, I want to give my students the same experience that Chicago Christian teachers gave me. My own experience at CCHS taught me to never give up on a student, continually love them even when it’s difficult, work to find their passion, help them flourish, and meet them where they are. As a matter of fact, Mr. Broene has been a guest speaker to my soccer team, teaching them about leadership, collaboration, and grit. Chicago Christian teachers are still inspiring me today! I truly was blessed with some amazing educators throughout my life, and I am grateful that in the most malleable years in my life, Chicago Christian teachers were there to continually shape and mold me into the man I am today.
SCCS Association Office
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
708.388.7656
Palos Heights, IL 60463
708.388.7656