attended Adelphian Junior Academy through my sophomore year. Transitioning to the boarding school was a significant financial challenge for our family. We weren't sure what the option would be for me, but public school could have been the next step. We are not sure how, but a deacon and leader in our church, Kenny Cole, heard that I might not go the Adventist boarding academy.

One Sabbath he pulled me aside and, with tears in his eyes, told me how he had not been able to go to the academy because he had had to stay home and work on the farm. He didn't want me to miss out on going and had heard about my financial situation. He pledged to put money on my bill each month so that I could go. My grandmother did the same and I was able to attend Great Lakes Adventist Academy (GLAA) for two of the most formative and foundational years of my entire educational experience.

Mr. Cole had been a brick mason all his life and had laid many foundations. He wasn't just interested in laying brick and mortar foundations, he was interested in laying foundations in people's lives as well. Upon graduating with my master’s degree from Andrews University, I returned to GLAA and served there for 10 years. While serving at GLAA, I had the opportunity to call Mr. Cole before he passed away, and thank him again for what he had done for me. With tears in his voice he told me that, "I didn't owe him a cent." Having just completed my 20th year as an educator, I can say that it takes a village to raise a child and each one of us has a responsibility to be of support in providing opportunities for our children, just as Mr. Cole did for me those many years ago.