Everyday Hero Sandra Stiles

The world is full of everyday heroes who sometimes go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of life. Because of this, I decided to create a series of interview posts about the everyday heroes I come in contact with.

Today I’m delighted to welcome another wonderful friend I’ve made online: Sandra Stiles. Sandra is another one of the precious friends who serves on the Miller’s Creek Main Street Team. I’m incredibly blessed to have Sandra and the others on the team. They help out so much, and serve as a source of encouragement to me. So without further ado, Let’s meet Sandra!

Everyday Hero Sandra Stiles

Welcome, Sandra! So glad to have you here! Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I am a wife, mother of 3, and have 9 grandchildren. My mother lives with me and my husband.

What hobbies do you enjoy? What are you passionate about?

I enjoy quilting, sewing, painting, as well as other crafts. I am passionate about teaching students to read and write, as well as writing books that will get them interested in reading.

What’s something that not very many people know about you that you’d like them to know about you?

I am shy.  I have overcome a lot of it.  In high school I could not look anyone in the eye. I decided to put myself in positions where I was forced out of my comfort zone. I auditioned for a singing group, plays, and other things that put me out there.

That take’s lots of courage! What’s your favorite Bible verse? Favorite hymn or praise song?

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  When things seem to be piling up I think of this verse as a reminder that I can make it through as long as I keep Jesus at the forefront. My favorite hymn is, “I Serve a Risen Savior”.  It is one I can remember singing as a small child in church and has always been one of my favorites. It reminds me who I serve and that my God is very much alive.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Germany. I have done so much research on the Berlin Wall for another  book in the works. One of the reasons I want to go there is my father was stationed in Berlin during the building of the wall.

What is your all-time favorite family vacation or event?

The year our family went from Missouri/Illinois, down the east coast, visited the Appalachian Museum, and stayed in what was my father-in-law’s house at the top of a mountain in Dayton, Tennessee. He gave us directions and told us where we would find the key. It was fully stocked for us. We hiked trails, visited Fall Creek Falls and had a wonderful time as a family, building memories.

Sounds wonderful! What do you do for a living?

I am a National Board Certified Teacher, in my 21st year of teaching. I am certified to teach Elementary and  English/Reading 6th – 12th.

Another thing we have in common. I’m certified in all-level music education and general elementary! If you could have any super-power, what would it be, and why?

I would want the ability to heal the broken hearts of children who are hurting.

I’m with you! As teachers, we see those hurts and broken hearts. Tell us about a place you traveled that had a big impact on you.

New York City, the year my daughter’s dance team went to New York for national competition, ( 10 months after 9/11), had a huge impact on me. I was on the trip with some of those same students I’d had in my class on 9/11. Their questions on that terrible day, along with our trips to ground zero were the inspiration for my first book  “Steps to Courage”.  When I returned to Florida I had to write what I felt.

What makes you laugh?  Babies.  I got more spankings after church because a baby was in front of us and I can’t seem to contain myself when they make funny faces or noises. I would end up laughing out loud.

If you had a life motto, what would it be?

It is what I write in the front of my book whenever I sign it. “Remember, Courage always begins with the first step.” My husband says the reason it took me so long to publish my book was I was scared. It took courage to publish it.

What project do you have going that you’d like to finish ASAP?

I have just a few more chapters on a Young Adult book before it is finished, and a picture book I have been writing with my eight year old grand-daughter.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Reading. I loved it so much that beginning in first grade I gave up some of my recess to tutor other kids who had trouble reading. I tutored kids in reading all the way through middle school.

Sounds like teaching others about reading is what the Lord had planned for you, Sandra! Thank you for using your gifts to inspire and educate young people. And thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us and for being one of my everyday heroes!

EVERYDAY HERO CHRIS GRANVILLE – DISCUSSION:

Who are some of your everyday heroes?
What makes a person heroic?

If you have a suggestion for an Everyday Hero interview–either yourself or someone you know–please send me an e-mail via the Contact tab.

Join @Cathy_Bryant as she chats with an everyday hero, @skstiles612. #Share #Inspire #EverydayHero
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