-
My birth- Personal
I was born! The world grew a little sunnier. :) -
Sister's Birth- Personal
My sister Shannon was born. This event drastically shaped the dynamics in our family and in my life, since I was no longer an only child. -
Brother's Birth- Personal
My brother Kris was born. This drastically altered our family dynamics with the addition of the first male child. -
Baptism- personal
I was baptized by my father on my 9th birthday. Giving my life to Jesus and accepting Him as my Savior not only affects my day to day life on earth, but also alters how I will spend eternity. This was the biggest decision of my life, and I am still so thankful for the moment I chose to surrender to Him. -
High School Graduation- personal
I graduated Midway High School in Waco, Texas. This event marked my transition from high school teen to "young adult" embarking to college a few short months later. -
College Graduation- Personal
I graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas. Attaining a Bachelor's degree was not only a measure of personal success, but also signified my first step into the professional work world. -
Wedding- Personal
Married Nathan Syer. Thought this would be forever, but, alas, it only lasted 8 years. The first 4 were great; the last 4 were not. Thankful for those few years of my life and the way they grew me and shaped me into the stronger woman I am today. -
Taught in Afghanistan- Professional
I spent two months in a rural town in Afghanistan teaching English at a non-profit community center. This is when I first realized how much I enjoyed teaching, as well as working with other cultures. Every opportunity I have had to travel overseas has taught me invaluable cultural lessons! I plan to use cultural artifacts and stories from my travels when I teach social studies to my students. -
Taught "Conflict Resolution" in Mongolia- Professional
I helped organize the East Asia Regional Conference for Church Planters through Antioch Ministries International. I taught a seminar on conflict resolution to a completely Mongolian audience with the aid of a translator. I was fascinated by the similarities and differences in the way the two cultures worked together to resolve conflict. This was a tremendous learning experience for me, one that I feel will aid me in cultural sensitivity to my students. -
Taught in China- Professional
I spent 3 months in China teaching Baylor University MBA students and Chinese university science & technology students how to give executive presenations and improve their cross-cultural communication skills with one another. Undoubtedly, this was the highlight of my professional career thus far. The experience of living in a foreign culture shaped my appreciation for other nations and had a significant impact on the way I will teach courses such as social studies. -
Spa Supervisor- Professional
Spa Anjali inside the Westin Riverfront Resort, Beaver Creek, CO I worked as Spa Supervisor at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Beaver Creek, Colorado for a year. This job gave me invaluable experience managing all types of people, and made me decide to enter the teaching profession. I met people from all regions of the world, which broadened my understanding of culture and will impact how I teach culture in my social studies class. -
Adoption of Alyosha- Personal
My sister, Shannon, and her husband, Eric Evans, adopted their first child, Alyosha Daniel from Uganda. Alyosha is my first nephew and, in his two years of life, has already added a bright spot into the life of our family. -
Divorce- personal
After nearly a year of waiting, my divorce was finally official. This event was obviously important as it represented the end of a chapter in my life. -
Began Master's Degree- professional
I began my first semester at Carson-Newman to work towards a Master of Arts in Teaching K-6. My decision to return to school (after being out for 8 years) and moving to the opposite side of the country from my boyfriend and friends was not an easy one, but I knew CN would provide me with the knowledge and experience I needed to become an effective teacher. -
Engagement!- personal
Sean Tilson proposed to me in Beaver Creek, Colorado. This event marks the beginning of a new life chapter for me! Could not be more thankful for God's gift and His hand in leading us together.
