In my short life, I have had many teachers and professors. Many whom I could not tell you their name and a handful who have impacted my life in some way. When I think about my elementary experience I think about the times I was handed busy work more times than I was taught about the subjects expected of me. I do not know if my teachers thought my peers and I did not have the capability to learn the material or were too lazy to teach us. I say this because I attended Crab Orchard Elementary School were growing up other students referred to it as the "dumb" school. But Dr. Shadden made it her mission to go above and beyond for her students her first year teaching. That year was difficult for me because I lost a parent but her love for teaching made me forget about what was happening at home when I would go to school. She made sure I felt intelligent and helped me gain confidence in myself as a student and a citizen. She gave me the tools to excel not only in her class but in my continued education. She taught me that passion, hard work, and perseverance should be at the core of everything you do. I believe that the most influential teachers are the ones who guide and support you in the classroom and outside the classroom, it gives one the drive to succeed no matter the obstacles they are facing in life. I will forever be grateful for her continued support throughout my college endeavors and her encouragement when I thought I was not smart enough. Her selfless acts as a teacher have always inspired me morally and academically.

Your own hard work to achieve what you have at your age and to continue your own education to get your title as "Dr." gives me lots of encouragement that there is light at the end of the tunnel and lets me know that if you can do it then I can too!

Jacqueline Fraga,
Former Crab Orchard Elem. Student
South University Nursing Program