Shoelaces

Kim Sprecher
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People talk about the “ties that bind,” whether it be the ties of love, career, or home. These ties keep us connected to whatever it is that defines us as a person. For some, it is their family, for others - their work, and for some of us it is the land that calls us home when we wander too far or stay away too long. I would prefer to think of the ties that bind as shoelaces, flexible in that they can be tied in many different ways, but always keeping us connected.

Sauk Prairie has not been my home for all my life, but for the better part of it. I have tied and untied my shoelaces many times and it seems there is a double knot when it comes to Sauk Prairie that just won’t be loosened. I have had the opportunity to travel extensively in this world and no matter how far I may roam; I am continually called back home.

Could it be the family bonds? Could it be the strong sense of community? Or is it the quiet nights on a country farm? Perhaps it is all of these and more. Sauk Prairie has a special place in my heart that will never die. She is my home and will always call me back.

In my travels in and out of the United States, I have seen first hand the importance of where a person in raised and the environment of their education. I have been fortunate to grow up in a place where family is number one, the community is strong, and education opportunities are first rate. Returning home as an educator to preserve and pass on these fine qualities of this area has been one of my goals since I first chose this career, a career that I am fortunate to not only succeed in, but to cherish.

It is in the classroom that I have found my niche in life. It is here that I am responsible for putting knots in student’s shoelaces, not only in the knowledge I possess as an English teacher, but also as a role model and a leader. My words and actions in the classroom will stay with these young minds as they are traveling through the world tying and untying their shoelaces.

I have reached a point in my life where I want to settle down and raise my son. I have returned to the family farm where I hope to succeed as a teacher in this area as did my grandmother, aunt, and great grandmother. I feel that the successes that I have had in life are due in a large part because I was raised in Sauk Prairie. I have always enjoyed the support of family, friends, and teachers - knots in shoelaces that won’t be loosened. I want to pass this on to future generations in Sauk Prairie.

As we travel down the path of life we may not be conscious of the knots that are put in our shoelaces, but they are there waiting to be recognized for the strength that we have obtained from them. I have found my strength in my capabilities as an educator and in the love of my hometown, Sauk Prairie.

Last Updated: 01/28/2012 07:55 AM