Picture this: you grew up in a small town that feels like it should be the setting of a storybook. You haven't met a person you didn't like and even strangers feel like relatives. Yes, I live in the most Hallmark-esque town in Ohio called Loveland: literally the land of love. The bell chimes go off every hour on the hour and everyone knows everyone: why yes, it's a regular Gilmore Girls episode on repeat. I've learned to love small town living and this place really is home. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up and become the Loveland Valentine Lady! Forget president, major or even the local newspaper editor. In my book, the Loveland Valentine Lady is equivalent to the Who's Who and placing your name in the hallowed hall of fame. Who doesn't want the over-all mission to fill the land with love?! Why, that is the literal job description of this revered position. Let me tell you about it.
DID YOU KNOW: My town has the coolest tradition—all valentines are routed through our small town post office. They are signed and stamped in our historic town then sent along on their merry way. Sounds like something out of a Hallmark movie! Read more about this heralded tradition in my blog post: The Sweetheart of Ohio.
I have had the privilege to live in Loveland my entire life. My parents both grew up in Loveland, went to school in Loveland, got married in Loveland and then decided to raise their own family here in Loveland. This tradition is pretty common in small-town living and believe or not, most people who get the urge to move away end up coming right back to this city. Is this is a Midwest thing? Probably. Is this typical of this specific Hallmark small town? Of course!
With that in mind, hold the eye roll when I tell you that when I moved out after college and purchased my own house, it only made sense to continue the legacy and also live in Loveland! This beautiful small town is all I have ever known. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, and I’m thrilled to put down my own roots in this city.
IT ALL BEGAN HERE. I began to really appreciate the Loveland community at the young age of 14. Performing arts became a staple for me, and I caught the acting bug in junior high. When my school drama program was terminated, my mom and I drove past the old Crist Theater in town, wondering if this place in the community could fulfill my love for the arts. Believe it or not, that same building was the spot where my grandpa ran the movies back in the 1930s. Who would have ever thought that this shared space and historic buliding would be the setting for so many vaulable memories and life lessons. The day I stepped into the Crist Theater (now known as Loveland Stage Company) as a young girl for tap dance lessons became a day I would never forget. A few shuffle-ball-changes and maxi-fords later, a passion ignited. That open door began a decade of digging into the community and fueling a joy for working with people.
Little did I know that fervor would kindle a love for the arts and for education.
I continued working with Loveland Stage Company throughout my teenage years and my twenties. I was surrounded by a generation of people older than me who took the time to build into me and strengthen my character. I was constantly surrounded by role models who taught me how to be a role model. It was there that I first learned of the unique privilege of becoming a Loveland Valentine Lady, as I was encircled by several respected ladies who held this revered title. Whether they knew it or not, they made a difference in the heart of this young, impressionable girl. They were entrusted to shape leaders — and I am confident that they helped shape me.
Fast-forward to the here and now, and I am young lady who loves life, is filled with joy and yes -- still a Loveland resident today. I’ve learned life lessons of perseverance, strength, and character and that it all comes down to faith and family. I’m passionate about education. I’m a leader in the community, and I do believe I make a difference. I owe all of that to the people before me: those mentors and leaders who took time to build into those around them—specifically a young teenage girl with her tap shoes.
CULTIVATING PASSIONS: My time in the Loveland arts community cultivated my desire to become a teacher. I began volunteering to choreograph for children theaters in the area while I pursued my Bachelors in Middle Childhood Education. I graduated cum laude from a local university and hold my Ohio teaching license to teach both mathematics and language arts to students grades 4-9. I also hold my Masters in Curriculum and Teacher Leadership with an emphasis in Educational Technology. I also hold my Gifted Intervention Specialist license to teach gifted children, grades K-12. You could say that education is a fundamental part of my life!
Currently, I teach middle school. I now get the special privilege of building into the younger generation like those before me. I believe in the cultivation of leaders and strive to be a role model to my students. Just like the role models before me, I now teach my students to have character and to become all that they can be — to challenge themselves to become life-long learners and become passionate about their community. Life has come full-circle.
It’s hard to believe I am wrapping up almost a decade and a half of teaching full-time in both the private and public sectors. However, the real testament is that sense of purpose that I discovered in my teens, as I began working with children in that small community theater so long ago. Now, I’ve spent years of my life building into this younger generation — teaching them the importance of values, fulfilling their passions and serving others with their gifts and talents. Crazy enough, that is the same life lesson those previous Valentine ladies at the old Crist theater taught me during my formative years.
COMMUNITY-BUILDER: IT'S ALL ABOUT CHARACTER. Being a teacher gives so many opportunities to build into others. I do my best to teach my students that character is who you are when no one else is watching. Isn't that such a valuable life lesson? I'm no expert, but each day, I strive to put that into practice. As a firm believer in giving back to our community, I have sought to foster a love for people. That might look like volunteering with Give Back Cincinnati or lending a helping hand with Habitat for Humanity or even just holding the door open at Costco -- flashing a smile to someone who might need a pick-me-up. I usually go into a situation like this seeking to make a difference, but I undoubtedly leave each interaction refreshed and counting my blessings. For me, I aim to share the stories of how I have seen lives changed for the good once people stepped out in love. Isn't that what it is all about? I'm no Loveland Valentine Lady yet; however, the mission and purpose are aligned. Whether in the classroom or out in the community, I want to give back to others and to the world around me — to aim to think of others more than myself. I want to live my life in such a way that I can be an encouragement to others and inspire them to do the same -- that good really does prevail, that communities are stronger when people step outside of themselves and help their neighbors.
LOVELAND IS MY HOME. When I’m not teaching about integrity or fractions and decimals, you will find me running and biking on the Loveland Bike Trail in our small town historic district. That bike path has become a home to me. The countless hours I have spent on that trail training for marathons, praying through important decisions and just soaking up the fresh air have been many of my favorite moments in this town. It's amazing how many locals use this trail each day. I can't tell you how many pep-talks or high-fives I get during my time on this shared property in town.
This time on the trail has reminded me that our community looks out for one another. People want to be good and kind and loving — sometimes they just need a smile from a stranger or an encouraging word from the gal practicing perseverance by putting in those miles. I have enjoyed being that shining light — and I will continue to be.
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, I AM THE FUTURE. I am the future of Loveland. I've come to realize that, and I take the job seriously. I am motivated to give back to others in the way that I was built into by those who invested in me. I love making those connections big or small, and I do not see myself ever losing the joy of exploring this small town. There's something so special about being a part of something bigger: heralded traditions that don't ever lose their value. WHY YES: ONE DAY, I WILL BE REVERED AS THE LOVELAND VALENTINE LADY. Until then, I'm choosing to live like her.
