Interests of Others

 “Regard one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” The apostle Paul, Philippians 2:3-5

Encounters with the Christ

When I was in college, I memorized the entire book of Philippians; that’s 4 chapters, 104 verses, and 2183 words if you’re reading the King James version. I'm not bragging; I did it during a crucial spiritual turning point in my life. The writer of that book, Paul the apostle was changed through an incredible encounter with post death and resurrected Jesus while traveling on a remote stretch of road in the Middle East on his way to literally send Christians to their death. He later wrote the letter to the Philippians while confined in a prison cell. I memorized Philippians because like the apostle, I too had met the risen Christ, not in similar grandiose fashion, but equally powerful in the quiet confines of my dorm room. I opened this blog with a quote from that book. Those words rang loud and cut deeply into my soul, divine scars that haven’t healed, that I should regard others more important than myself, concerned not just with my own personal interests but the interests of others. This attitude also existed in the one who was sharing it with me, Jesus. 

Life of Purpose

My life took on meaning and purpose after that encounter with the Christ. I wanted to do things that were in the best interest of others, not just myself. Somewhere around 2001 I was given the opportunity to do good in the best interest of others by a guy named Godfread; the context being teaching teenagers. Mr. Godfread hired me part-time to teach at-risk kids English in an alternative high school called Community High. I had been a teacher in a private school and was also home-schooling my two boys at that time and for good reasons Mr. Godfread was a little careful; you could say I was unofficially on probation. He hired me part-time with no benefits and a watchful eye. But after a couple years one day he smiled from his 6’6” frame and asked if I’d ever consider going full-time. In his words, “You’re astute in English, but more importantly I don’t know what it is, but you connect with these kids. You're tough, but they respect that and are learning because they know you have their best interests in mind; you struggle with them.” I remembered my Philippians signpost, “but for the interests of others.” I took the job and essentially entered a life of new purpose.

Reunion

I say all this to set the stage for a wonderful event that happened on May 22, 2025, here in Grand Forks at Community High. I went on disability back in March of 2022, probably the worst month of my life. Parkinsons had finally won the day; my weakened voice and inability to use my fingers effectively enough to write legible notes in red on English literature research papers did me in. The event was Community’s 40-year reunion, and many wonderful current and past educators and support staff gathered and welcomed the most esteemed guests—the students. Those staff and students that could attend created many tearful moments for me. I haven’t cried that much since watching Old Yeller as a kid. 

Stories I Can’t Tell

My husband has to take over here, because I just can’t tell these stories well. I had so many kids (ok ok students!) through 19 years that I loved and put their interests before mine, that I honestly don’t always see the impact. Chris and his friend Ed and I did breakfasts at Perkins on one early morning weekday for like 10 years. Of course, indubitably we would all tell stories about our work, the place we were headed to after pancakes. He and Ed would always sit there and say things like, “We go to work and yes, we like our employees (most of them), we do meaningful work (at least in our heads we do), but we simply don’t change lives. Eileen, you and your compadres at CHS are literally changing lives.” When I would share stories of student successes and upcoming graduation speeches Ed would cry and Chris would say, “Now let’s not allow that to go to her head.” In my first return to CHS in three years I realized some of the blissful fruits of our labors; strong young adults with families, good moms and dads, careers and proud exploits, and some exclamations of “Mrs. Z. I never would’ve made it without your tenacity, wit, humor, care, and persistence (remember, these are Chris’ words not mine).” 

Kudos to CHS

So, congratulations to the current Principal Terry Bohan and all the educators and staff past and present for organizing the 40-year reunion; couldn’t have been any better! And even more accolades to the students of CHS who gave me the privilege to learn humility, empathy, care, concern, and earn a little retirement money on the side, all through a true “community” experience. My only regret about the event was that Chris made me leave earlier than I wanted, you know, Parkinson's and the schedule. Onward and upward Chargers and let’s all adapt the same attitude that was in Jesus and put others interests before our own; you never know where that road will lead, but it’s always, always rewarding.