Spire Spring 2018

“She’s an exemplary graduate of the Teacher Education Program at Bluefield College, and she spreads goodness and light in her classroom each day.”

Having a career as a teacher, Brewster agreed, has taken the burden off of her husband to be the sole provider for their family. Her paycheck, she added, provides for their boys, who are both now in college: Scott, a pharmacy resident through East Tennessee State University’s College of Pharmacy, and Morgan in graduate school at Radford University after earning his bachelor’s degree from Bluefield College in 2016. But while the financial benefits have been a tremendous help, Brewster said, they’re not all she gained from her BC experience. “It gave me a sense of fulfillment that I earned something on my own that nobody else could do for me,” said Brewster about her Bluefield degree. “It empowered me to do other things – make decisions and carry on conversations with people I’d never dreamed I could talk to before. Looking back, before I went to Bluefield College I was very insecure with low self-esteem. I was so wrapped up in my little circle – just my family. I’d use every excuse not to step out of that circle, but I’m glad I had the support to pursue my degree. Not only did my degree help me build my skillset and earn a better paycheck; it gave me the confidence and self-assurance that I could make a difference.” And make a difference she is. Dr. Donna Watson, former dean of BC’s School of Education, said that since graduation Brewster has served as a mentor for other students in the Teacher Education Program. “She’s caring and creative,” said Dr. Watson. “She holds high standards for her elementary students and an even higher standard for herself. She’s an exemplary graduate of the Teacher Education Program at Bluefield College, and she spreads goodness and light in her classroom each day.”

— Dr. Donna Watson, former dean of BC’s School of Education

Jennifer Brewster speaks to fellow graduates during Winter Commencement 2008.

teaching and her fourth year as a fifth-grade teacher at Graham Intermediate School in Bluefield, Virginia. She’s proof that education is more than a diploma and that Bluefield College is realizing its mission of helping students understand and fulfill their calling. “I’ve seen a lot of students who don’t have much,” said Brewster. “I want to teach them to love learning and to be empowered. I want them to succeed, and this is my way to invest in them.” Original article by Briana Morris Fillers, United Way of Southwest Virginia. S andra Lima Argo (left), founder of Liaison America, with biology student Rutger Allen (second from left), biology professor Dr. Martin Offield (second from right), and biology student Jarrett Garland.

This past fall, Brewster began her 10th year

helping students fulfill their calling

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