GIVING THE GIFT THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME
by Gladys Neigel
Rachel Torres is the first new hire for the 2013-2014 school year in Florida Conference. She will be teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Forest City Adventist School in Altamonte Springs.
A product of Florida Adventist education, Rachel spent elementary years at Orlando Junior Academy and grades 9-12 at Forest Lake Academy in Apopka. She graduated from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.
During her college years, Rachel sought every opportunity to stretch her horizons, broaden her knowledge, and learn successful techniques for teaching. “I want to make school a safe, exciting, and encouraging environment where students are free to explore and be part of a learning community,” says Rachel.
She was enabled in her search for excellence by monetary support from encouragers whose desire is to aid young people on their education journey. Rachel was a beneficiary of a grant from the Worthy Student fund maintained by the Florida Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services Department. For information on tax-deductible contributions to help young people like Rachel receive an Adventist education, call (407) 644-5000 x251.
Summer of 2013
To my educational supporters:
It’s hard to believe I can say I am an alumni of Southern Adventist University (SAU). I look back on my college days quite fondly. It was only by generous donors, dedicated prayers, and God’s promises that I was able to attend all four years.
My experience at SAU was priceless. While there, I was blessed to make lifelong friends, strengthen my relationship with Jesus, have incredible mentors and teachers, and be a part of a powerful, energetic student body. I praise God for putting it on people’s hearts to give and make college experiences, like mine, possible.
I am FULL of gratitude for the generous people that made such an impact on my life through their monetary support. Because of them, their belief in me, and Adventist education, my dreams have come true.
This year, I am excited to begin my first year of teaching. It is my privilege to use everything I learned to be the best teacher I can be for my students. I plan to keep giving the gift that was given to me by not only being an educator, but also allowing God to use me to bless others as I have been blessed.
Sincerely,
Rachel Torres