Mary Rose is a first-grade teacher who loves to laugh, work out and go to the beach. She recently moved out on her own and is excited to create her own schedule, budget and financial game plan. One of her dreams is to travel the world and experience different cultures.
Q: What is your favorite thing about this season of your life?
A: Growing into the lady God has called me to be, and knowing He’s got so much more in store for me, greater things than I could ever imagine. I love the idea of not knowing what lies ahead! It’s exciting to look at my life and feel at peace with the things God is doing, but also knowing that He’ll continue to open even more doors as I continue to trust in Him and grow in Him. Young adulthood can be such a crazy time, with constant on the go schedules and so many obligations, but it can also be this amazing season of finding out why God made you the way He did and what your true purpose is.
Q: If you could tell your 18-year-old self anything, what would it be?
A: “Just be YOU. It’s okay that you have a crazy belly laugh and frizzy hair. It’s okay to like the Jonas Brothers and to be totally nervous to talk to boys.” I used to struggle with being self conscious and with some serious insecurities (mostly because I didn’t know Jesus intimately). I was constantly focused on what people thought of me and was more concerned with saying and doing all the “right things” than saying what was on my heart. I became whoever I thought the people I was around wanted me to be, and strayed so far away from the girl God made me to be. Knowing who I was in the Lord and finding the confidence to be that person would have made my high school/college years much more enjoyable and meaningful, but thank God He revealed those things to me since then.
Q: What made you choose your career?
A: I have genuinely always loved school. As a kid, the beginning of the school year was about as exciting as Christmas. I loved my teachers and all things school related, from picking out Lisa Frank folders, to competing in the Spelling Bee. I hated the last day of school (and still do) and usually cried (and still do). I became a teacher so I can instill in kiddos of love for school and learning. I want kids to feel safe and loved and reach their full potential. I never want there to be a child who doesn’t believe in themselves or feels like nobody else does either. My goal is to love and support them where they’re at, and help them realize all that they’re capable of being.