Who knew a name could be so powerful and influential? Kathleen Houston, the librarian, teacher, coach, tech person, mentor, and friend. Looking back on my four years at Regina, I realize what a profound affect Mrs. Houston had on my life.

I first met Mrs. Houston my sophomore year when I took her English class. Over the summer I had to read a dreadful book entitled The Lakota Woman. To be honest, I couldn’t even get myself to finish the book– it was that bad. However, nothing could have prepared me for my first day of class.

The bell rang and everyone took their seats. It was completely silent because no one had finished the summer reading and we didn’t know how Mrs. Houston would react. She looked up at the class and the first thing she said was, “I apologize you guys. This book was awful!” Everyone laughed and with a weight lifted off my shoulders– I knew I would love this teacher.

Mrs. Houston tells it like it is, and isn’t afraid to admit when she makes a mistake. This is one of the biggest lessons she has taught me.

She wasn’t afraid to use her red pen on my papers, that’s for sure. It was frustrating at the time, but I couldn’t be more grateful for it now. She pushed me to become a better writer every day.

After Mrs. Houston stopped teaching English and moved on to become the librarian, I realized she became so much more. She became the lacrosse coach, took on the technology responsibilities, and ran the library all at the same time.

Mrs. Houston had never played lacrosse before, and went to several seminars to learn the game and coaching techniques. She didn’t know much about Regina’s new technology, but she took the time to learn it. This is the second big lesson Mrs. Houston taught me: Never make excuses. Kathleen Houston is a prime example of perseverance, sacrifice, and heart. She has always put others and Regina before herself to which I really admire.

When I heard Mrs. Houston was teaching Journalism my senior year, I had never been so excited to take a class before. I have to credit Mrs. Houston with my love for writing. She pushed me my sophomore year, and continued to encourage me throughout my senior year. We grew closer in Journalism, and I’m happy to call her a friend.

I have wanted to write this article for a long time, and I’m grateful I get the opportunity to print this before I leave for college. Mrs. Houston is the type of person to do all the “behind the scenes” work, and want no credit. She gives 100 percent every day, and looks for nothing for return. I am truly honored that she was a big part of my high school career. The lessons she has taught me will benefit my throughout my life.