Teacher Tuesday: The Right Stuff

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, our Residential Life staff are so much more than the RAs you might find at a typical college.  They become surrogate parents, friends, counselors, managers and teachers to our students.

It’s a big role with a lot of responsibility, and the leadership of Shepherds College is careful to fill this role with just the right person.

Kim Pechous is definitely the right person.

God brought her to Shepherds knowing that she needed to be at a place where she could grow in her faith, continue to learn and serve others all at the same time.

Shepherds College is definitely the right place.

Put the right person into the right place and you have the opportunity to witness excellence in action.

Kim worked in Special Education for three years before coming to Shepherds College. She views this experience as “the greatest blessing” thus far – constantly learning from each new situation and constantly growing in every aspect of her life.

Now Kim runs the female dorm and co-teaches Daily Living Skills with Daniel Gaschke. She oversees meal planning and grocery shopping for the first-year students. 

She incorporates the R.E.A.L. instruction the students receive during class time into the Daily Living training, such as cooking and cleaning lessons.

She manages the kitchen and oversees the rotating chore charts.

And she takes advantage of the countless opportunities to teach cooperation, collaboration, communication and many more life lessons while supervising the young women in the dorms.

Some people might feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for twelve people every afternoon and evening, but Kim’s personality is particularly well-suited for the task. Her co-workers describe her with sincere admiration:

“She has a gentle and quiet spirit, and a heart of compassion.”

“She is so patient with the students, but has a good balance of control as well. The students really respect her.”

“Kim does a wonderful job of giving students space, but also helping them so the students know she is available to assist them with their problems.”

“Kim’s humility, gentleness and kindness towards both staff and students is very evident. While learning her role, she would humbly ask for help or clarification when needed and willingly accept suggestions, while at the same time, stepping right in and working hard to fulfill her responsibilities. It is a joy and privilege to serve at Shepherds College with Kim!”

Her students added:

“Miss Pechous is a good listener.”

“She is sooooo sweet!”

“I love her.”

Although Kim is very successful at gaining the respect of everyone she works with, this is not her ultimate goal, “I’d like to see the students gain confidence in themselves and in God. I’d like them to see that they can do all things through Christ. (Phil 4:13)”

Put the right person in the right place with the right attitude and what do you get? 

Students on the right path to Appropriate Independence.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.