The Cornerstone The Cornerstone February 2018 | Page 7

WHEN THE
STUDENT
BECOMES THE
TEACHER
BY AVA DUNWOODY
A
s a graduate of the class of 2013, Rachel Zumbek returned to
Orange Lutheran as an English teacher only five years later.
Coming back to her alma mater has given her a new perspective
on what it’s like to be a Lancer.
“Seeing it from a different side is really unique. So much of who I am is
made from all of the people who poured into me as a student, so I love the
opportunity to give back,” she said.
Zumbek enjoyed her years as a Lancer and involved herself in many school
activities. She held leadership positions as Ignite President and Missions
Outreach Officer. She also participated in soccer, track, and cross country,
as well as musical theatre dance. Additionally, she was apart of Key Club
and lead the school spirit club at the time.
After high school, Zumbek attended Concordia University, Nebraska, and
Biola University as an education major. “I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I
was really little,” she said. This dream of hers set into motion when she was
awarded the Nancy Paul Teaching Scholarship her senior year.
This award is named in honor of Nancy Paul, who has been an OLu faculty
member since 1975 and is granted to one senior every year who intends
to become a teacher. Paul describes how the recipients of the award are
true examples of students who have, “the idea of internalizing the Gospel
message of Jesus Christ fostered in their hearts.”
Zumbek is the first student who was awarded the Nancy Paul Teaching
Scholarship to return to OLu as a teacher. Paul said, “I always feel very
grateful to the Lord when [former students] choose to come back because
they know what Lutheran High is all about.”
“I knew this place was special and I’ve always known I wanted to be
a part of it. My favorite part of Orange Lutheran has always been the
community,” said Zumbek, whose two brothers are also alumni of OLu
and her younger sister and two cousins are currently enrolled. “Everyone
is so supportive of each other and passionate to be a part of this place.”
Now that she has returned, Zumbek’s path has come full circle. “When I
got offered this job,” she said, “it was an overwhelming feeling of awe for
God’s plan bec ause I couldn’t have planned it better myself, and yet it all
came together in such a beautiful way.”
Teacher Profile Page 7