Young Life Chicago South Suburbs IL26

Going into college, I knew I wanted to graduate and get into a profession where I could have a positive impact on youth, so at ISU I studied English Education so I could get a job teaching middle or high school students. 

After graduating, I was so excited to get my very own classroom. I taught English Language Arts to middle school students for two years. I wouldn't trade my experiences as a classroom teacher for anything, but I came to wonder if there was something else for me... a job where I could work with kids in a different capacity, being able to give them more attention and support, and not feel the real pressure of getting students to pass standardized tests. Maybe God had something else for me.

I decided to leave my teaching job at the end of my second school year. I didn't have a full-time job lined up, but after months of prayer and job searching, God worked it out! My pastor's wife, who is  now my boss and spiritual leader, approached me about working with a non-profit organization called Young Life. I was instantly interested in the organization, and excited and hopeful about the possible opportunity she mentioned.  I started working for Young Life part-time in December 2016, and gained full-time employment in June 2017! 

For our Young Life Chicago South Suburbs branch, I'm the Wyldlife (middle school) coordinator and a team leader. Along with our other leaders, I get to provide a fun and creative space for kids to be kids in a society that sometimes inundates them with unwarranted pressures; I teach and reinforce the importance of good morals and values; I spend time with kids, listening to them and guiding them as they navigate life at this precious stage, and through Bible studies and relevant talks, I get to give kids an opportunity to grow in their faith. 

I love serving our teens and preteens in the south suburbs, and would love to have an even greater impact, but we do need your help. Your support is very important to the work we're doing, as Young Life is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from individuals and businesses to sustain.

It would mean so much to me if everyone who sees this post decides to make a donation. 

Thank you!