Practicing the Three T's - Taking The Time

The Education/WIN Committee was responsible for the program at our October 28th Soroptimist meeting. Over the last couple of years we have presented information about WIN. This year we decided to do something different. We invited our new Superintendent, Garn Christensen, to speak. We did not tell him what to talk about; it was his choice.

Although Garn spoke about his personal history, he taught us a lot about education, strength of character, perseverance, following a dream, leadership. “Education is sharing experience,” Garn said, and that is certainly what he does.

Garn’s formative years were not in a “Leave It To Beaver” home. Although his parents parted ways, their love for their son helped mold his character. He had the opportunity to see the world through different eyes. Family relationships ebbed and flowed over the years, but there was always the knowledge that someone cared. Garn told us kids need time to be kids.

Garn obtained a lot of his education in alternative schooling – both officially and unofficially. He had some unique life experiences – adventures he calls them – spending over a decade on his own.

One day he received a phone call asking if he had ever rowed a raft; one of the rafting guides was unavailable. Trusting his instincts, Garn became an instant River Raft Guide. He learned his duties on the job. What a great example to all of us.

At one time he had a dream of teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. That dream became a reality in Prairie, Idaho. He taught students of different ages. Garn said school is the one place it all came together. As the one and only employee he learned a lot about bureaucracy.

Superintendent Garn Christensen at our October 28, 2003
Soroptimist Breakfast Meeting

One of the most amusing stories that Garn shared was about his experience in Chewelah. Chewelah is a rural area that had four Superintendents in six years. Garn sent in a three-page letter basically saying why he wasn’t right for the job. Of course he got the job, and was there for five years, until he decided to come to Sequim.

Garn is an active person – mentally and physically. When he needs to get away, he takes a ride on his recumbent bicycle. “I rode my bike to the job interview,” he told us.

“Education is like an orchestra,” he said. “The warm up doesn’t sound so good..” It is exciting to think of the sound our orchestra will make with Garn as the conductor.
Many thanks to Garn for praticing the Three T's with us - Taking The Time.

Kathy Purcell
Education/WIN Committee