Anita Young
My family emigrated to America from Holland when I was nine. My siblings and I were active in many sports and excelled in them while we were learning English. In college, I chose to study to be a teacher and imitate the teachers who had given me confidence and direction. I have been a teacher for 30+ years and have taught all levels and many teachers. I find that passionate teachers are invested in their students' learning as much as in their subject. One of my fondest memories is a parent who told me that her son had chosen to be a pastor and credited me with inspiring him to serve. After sharing my faith testimony with my 9th graders, their responses were that I should speak in chapel; then they organized themselves to clean up the campus to show an example of Christ-like leadership. Some of the finest compliments ever given me were the student teachers assigned to me from Fresno State after my students had repeatedly scored the highest in the district on the STAR tests. Through Fresno Pacific, I get to work with teachers and share their experiences and stories.
Professional Experience: Junior and Senior High, Madera, Fresno, & Clovis since 1975
Scholarly Interests: Physical Education, Psychology and Mathematics
Recommended Reading: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 5: 1-5 ~ "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Favorite Music: Oldies, Kaleb
Favorite Activities: Walking, Swimming, and Tennis
Family Info: Daughter and 2 Grandchildren
What Matters: Family and Friends
Pet Peeves: People who are late for deadlines/appointments
What I Like About FPU: During my first years of teaching, I attended professional development workshops at FPU in 1978. I found these to be a valuable resource throughout my teaching career.