In 2012, the lower Rio Grande Valley area was saturated with newly certified teachers, and some districts from Brownsville to McAllen, Texas had frozen employment. As a late bloomer, I had decided to pursue my graduate degree and graduated, but I knew that it was finally time to tackle my first year of teaching. Although I am not originally from deep south Texas, I had fallen in love with a special school district known for exceptional students, academic success, and I had learned that many of the schools had prayer groups at each of their campuses. I knew that THIS was where the Lord was leading me.
My professor mentor mentioned that many of the graduates from our College of Education were being forced to commute and make a daily two-hour round trip. I greatly valued my mentor’s advice as he cautioned me to apply to as many districts as possible. He asked me to seek employment in McAllen, a city a little over an hour away. I listened and understood his concern, but I boldly told him that Jesus loved me and that I would get a job at the district of my choice. My heart was set and I believed.
Two weeks before school began, my mentor summoned me to his office and asked me if I had any prospects. I told him that I had none. He said time was running out and that I may have to miss a school year, and I told him again that I believed that God would make a way for me. He smiled as if he felt bad for me. I walked away trying to remain strong, and ran into a teacher from my dream district who always said she appreciated my help. When she saw my face, she asked me what was wrong. I explained the entire story. She gave me a hug and returned to her class but said, over her shoulder, that she was going to make a phone call.
Within two hours, I was sitting in the principal’s office at the elementary school I would be blessed to serve for four years and remained in the school district of my heart for eleven years teaching middle school science until we decided it was time for our family to move. Proudly, I was named Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2016, a true honor. I cherish the years I served the community, my church, and the most amazing students. What amazes me even now, is that the Lord showed me that with Him, all things are possible. I love my mentor dearly and still seek his advice. He still smiles when I remind him that it only took ONE application, because there is only ONE God. I will serve Him forever.
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible,
but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
Yvette Perez
Kingsville, Texas
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"It Just Takes One" by Yvette Perez is in Book 7, Day 17: GOD STORIES And More... Click on the tab titled, GOD STORIES, on this website to read more true stories found in Books 1-7: GOD STORIES And More.
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