High School English Teacher at Black Forest Academy
Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
English Literature major 2006
As a teacher in a Christian international school, Dahlstrom lives and works in a village in southwestern Germany. She teaches American Literature and public speaking to students from all over the world, most of them the children of missionaries.
How does your time at SPU connect to the work you’re doing today?
After studying English and education, I use my time at SPU daily in my vocation as a teacher. I also worked with the Student Ministry Coordinator program for two years and use that experience as a small-group leader and mentor here.
Who made a difference in your SPU education?
I had a wonderful experience with the SPU English department. From Dr. Doug Thorpe, I learned to relate books and poetry to my own life, even ones that take place worlds away from my experience. Dr. Thomas Amorose taught me that some of the hardest reading can be the most rewarding, while Professor Suzanne Wolfe showed me how to love books written after 1900, which seemed impossible to my high school self. Most of all, however, Dr. Luke Reinsma showed me how a brilliant teacher is one who loves his students as much as his subject matter.
What advice do you have for students about life after graduation?
Cling to your calling and your gifts and remember that Christ doesn’t always give us the easiest path. Also, be ready to be surprised by what you end up doing.