Heather Sharp, Class of 2009
Both of her parents are teachers, and Heather Sharp grew up knowing that she, too, wanted to teach. She first came to Wittenberg, which boasts of one of the nation's finest teacher education programs, on a campus visit as a high school student. Immediately, she felt that she belonged.
"I loved the campus," Sharp said. "It felt welcoming. It's not only school. Witt is home, and I always want to come back. It's a source of comfort for me."
Sharp soon discovered that she was able to prepare for her future as a teacher both in and out of the classroom. Opportunities to gain experience working with children abound in Springfield, and many choices are available for completing Wittenberg's community service requirement in child-related venues.
In addition to Sharp's education classes, she tutored children at Springfield's Rocking Horse Center, a health care facility that provides for those in need and addresses school and emotional needs.
"I just want to do the best things for those kids," Sharp said. "I appreciate them all."
She also performed community service at On the Rise Farm, a non-profit facility that serves at-risk youth through positive principles and a solid work ethic in a 4-H-type setting. Her role there included mentoring, tutoring and serving as a role model to the children with the goals of increasing their school attendance, confidence and abilities in the classroom.
"As I teach them, I'm learning too," she said. "There's strength in having the choice to decide how to react to experiences, and the program serves older youth by providing a focus on graduation, employment and life skills."
As a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority at Wittenberg, Sharp also became involved in fund-raising events to benefit Camp Joy, the sorority's local philanthropic commitment. Sorority sisters organize and conduct two major events each year: Moonball, a moonlit volleyball tournament complete with glow-in-the-dark necklaces each fall, and an annual student and faculty spaghetti dinner with all you can eat spaghetti and breadsticks each spring.
A member of both Greek and education honoraries, Sharp also participated in the Wittenberg University Student Education Association (WUSEA), outdoor ministries, campus ministries and Primetime, a student-led Christian ministry affiliated with Campus Crusade for Christ.
"At Wittenberg, I've learned that it's okay to be myself. I don't have to fit in everywhere, and I know I'll be able to do whatever comes my way," Sharp said. "I'm not afraid to fail. Maintaining a positive attitude provides me with the confidence that I'll have the opportunity to improve."
For pure personal, physical pleasure, Sharp rides her bicycle. She has completed five tours – one a year for the last five years, participating in rides in California, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Each tour includes riding 400 miles, usually completing 40 miles each day, and she fully expects to continue riding.
She has learned to find pleasure and passion, and she plans to include both in her future.
"I hope to teach. I find passion in the energy from kids, just being around them energizes me," Sharp explained. "I don't care what grade – I don't want to limit myself."
- Written by Phyllis Eberts
- Photo by Erin Pence