posted April 15, 2014- written by Laura Anzalone
“To me, teaching is an art. Everyone can get to a final masterpiece; however, the process for getting there can be done in many fun and different ways.”
Throughout her lifetime Kristine Strible has been faced with numerous struggles that, at one point, almost deterred her from following her dream of becoming a teacher. It was at this low point that Strible’s 11th grade Biology teacher became, and remained, a very compelling and influential force in her life whose encouraging actions compelled Strible to hold on to her passions and desires to take the path of becoming a great educator.
She believes that a strong support system is essential to the success and future of all students/children. As a child, Strible was alone in facing the many hurdles she encountered in school. She lacked support from those around her and didn’t emerge from the struggles until she entered high school, where she took it upon herself to make a change. Strible joined clubs and began giving back. Having teachers that cared and went above and beyond the classroom time made all the difference in her world.
Strible chose Buffalo State because of the variety of unique opportunities and the ways in which instructors expanded beyond the realm of textbooks and the classroom. From the very beginning of her program, Strible found herself with fellow students out in the community, volunteering and practicing in local schools. “With the preparation I received at Buffalo State I was never blindsided when entering the classroom, and with support from my professors I never gave up even during the toughest years of my life.”
While at Buffalo State she volunteered her time in the local community gaining a deeper respect for the lives of the many students that walk the halls. “Buffalo State exposed me to diversity for the first time and helped me to overcome many of the obstacles that had been holding me back for so long.” She takes great interest in the ways that schools, curriculum and expectations are constantly reforming and evolving and works hard to be a dedicated teacher, available to help her students succeed in becoming leaders in the school and community.
The children in Strible’s classroom have become her family and she finds great enjoyment in making an impact on their lives and providing them with a safe ‘home’ to come to each and every day. “I take great pride in seeing my students learn, grow and be successful in so many aspects of their lives.
Strible struggles with the realization that she does not have control over the community influences and personal struggles her students face outside of her classroom. For this reason she continues to create a safe home in her classroom and works diligently to prove to the children that she cares about them regardless of their circumstances.
Strible has learned a valuable lesson that can speak to each of us: no matter what obstacles you face or the challenges that come your way, you can persevere to become whatever you want. She shares these inspiring sentiments with her students, continuously reinforcing and encouraging them every step of the way.
“My advice to others? Stays focused, NEVER GIVE UP and know that it takes one person to make a difference. YOU are that person!”
Today Strible is able to pass on her story of overcoming struggles to the students and community she serves.
“I am thankful for each of the opportunities I have been presented with. That is, to make a difference, one child at a time, no matter their background. I love going to work every day not seeing it as a job, but rather an opportunity to change a child’s life for the better.”
Visit the Where Are They Now page for more stories!
