I live in rural Kersey, Colorado. I am a wife, mother of three daughters, and a grandmother. I recently retired in May 2023 from teaching at Platte Valley High School after 41 years in education. In addition to being an educator, I also coached high school gymnastics, track, and middle school boys’ and girls’ basketball. I advised the Career and Technical Education student leadership organization, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), where I had many district and state officers and took many students to national conferences nationwide.
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
I graduated from Fort Hays State University with a home economics degree (now called family and consumer science). I taught for two years at Ransom High School in Ransom, Kansas. I then worked at the high school I graduated from – Platte Valley High School in Kersey, Colorado. I have taught Family and Consumer Science for 39 years at Platte Valley. I have always felt that Family and Consumer Science teaches students how to navigate common challenges that adults face in their careers, home, and family lives.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
I originally started college at Colorado State University. My high school boyfriend played football for FHSU, and I visited and saw several Tiger football games during my freshmen year. I really liked the people I met in Hays, the smaller school size, and the instructors and students I met. I transferred to FHSU for my sophomore year and graduated in 1982.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
I enjoyed going to Fort Hays football and basketball games. I liked the close-knit atmosphere of the college, especially my department. I made several lifelong friends at Fort Hays. During my junior year, three of those friends and I lived in a house on a cobbled street a few blocks from campus. The rental house had obnoxious wallpaper with eagle print in each room. We fondly called it the “eagle” house and purchased a huge wooden eagle at a yard sale to place appropriately in the living room!
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
It has been a long time since I was a student at Fort Hays State. Over the years, several of my former students have attended FHSU and have also had good experiences. As a high school teacher, I encourage students to get involved in activities on campus, build relationships, show up to class, and don’t quit! The tuition at Fort Hays is affordable. Although it is not the $350/semester I paid in 1978!
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
My good friend and roommate, Doris (Fledderjohann) Alderink (nursing graduate,1983), has been a lifelong friend. We had a lot of fun and made great memories as Tigers.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
FHSU prepared me for a long and fulfilling career in education. I graduated summa cum laude and was proud to be a successful student!