I have known since I was a barefooted young girl playing school in my home in Italy that I have an inclination for teaching. As a child I often put rows of chairs into my room, positioned myself in front of my imaginary students, and welcomed them to the lesson with little Miss Di Franca. During holidays in my high
school years, I worked with disabled kids. Interacting with these children gave me so much validation and fulfillment that I decided to study social work after my graduation in 2006. I applied for this program at the University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg, Germany. It was not easy to get into this program, because the number of students who could be admitted was limited. So I waited anxiously for the answer and prayed for God’s guidance. Finally I got the letter with the desired communication: I had been accepted into the Bachelor’s program. I looked forward to starting university in October of the same year, but God had different plans for my life.
Looking through the schedule of classes, I noticed that many required lectures and courses were on weekends. That was out of question for me, because the Sabbath is my day of rest. This day belongs to God and is to be dedicated to Him alone. I struggled with my tears and disappointment, though. Hadn’t it been God who helped me be accepted into this program? Wasn’t it His will for me to work with children and young people? Back then I didn’t understand why God seemingly spoiled my plans, but I still wanted to trust His word: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV).
During one of those days my father gently put his hand on my shoulder and reminded me: “What about becoming a language teacher? Don’t you remember your childhood dream?“ So I ended up simultaneously cancelling my enrollment and registering for a Bachelor’s and Master’s program for teaching. Several years have gone by since that moment; during this time I have worked as a full-time teacher in several middle and high schools in Southern Germany. I used to think teaching was a job, then I thought it was a profession, but now I know it is my calling, my passion, and my mission.
As a Christian teacher, I want to do more than just inspire my students to love academics. I also want to make a real and lasting impact on their hearts and lives.
I strive to help them grow in character and wisdom, and I experience the greatest joy when I see Christ work directly in their hearts. I am convinced that He is big enough to do something through me and work in my classroom despite the fact that some schools don’t want Him there. It is my constant prayer that God works in my students’ lives. He also reminds me that every day is a day of learning for students and teacher alike.
Finally, I would like to thank my father, who has always believed in me and inspired me, by his own example, to become a teacher. Even more, I praise my heavenly Father for calling me into this mission and being my constant teacher.
by Manuela Di Franca
