Trista Jaeger graduated from SAGU in December 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  She is now teaching second grade at a small international school in North Africa.  “I absolutely love my students and their families and the other relationships that I have with people here,” commented Jaeger.  “It is a privilege to be able to educate these students from all over the world and pour love into their lives.”

The international school is for anyone in the country who can speak a fair amount of English.  While most of the students are natives, there is also a wide variety of students whose parents are ambassadors or employees of international organizations.  There are at least ten different nationalities represented in Jaeger’s classroom.  Although the students know English, their levels of proficiency are extremely varied because the majority of them are learning English as their second language.

In additional to the teacher’s typical workload, Jaeger has to adjust to an entirely new culture and environment, which can be overwhelming at times.  “However,” says Trista, “seeing such a diverse group of children getting along and learning morals and values together is rewarding, and learning about their cultures is so interesting.” 

Originally from Winside, Nebraska, God led Trista to SAGU in Fall 2003.  She visited Campus Days while she was in high school.  According to Jaeger, “The Spirit of God was so strong during the services, and Jesus spoke to my heart that I needed to come to SAGU.  Although I did not know much about the school, I recognized the Spirit of God there, and I wanted to follow the direction that Jesus was leading me.”

God has given Trista a love for teaching children as well as a desire to spend her life working overseas.  “Therefore,” said Trista, “the Education degree at SAGU was perfect for the training that I needed to pursue God's call.”

While a student at SAGU, Trista was actively involved in SMA activities, such as Front Line Ministries and Jesus Time.  She went on two Spring Break missions trips and two summer trips overseas, which she cites as some of her favorite memories of her time at SAGU.  Trista recalls her team playing “Spoons” on the floor of the Johannesburg airport with several Africans staring at them.  “I'm sure we were a quite a spectacle after spending the night in the airport!” said Jaeger.  During her senior year, Trista was on the leadership team for GLOW Ministries.

Trista also loves the people at SAGU.  She met people at SAGU who will be lifelong friends and the professors, staff, and students challenged her to become closer to Jesus.  “At SAGU, I learned not only how to educate children, but also how to incorporate values and character into their lives,” reflected Jaeger.  “God used the many trips overseas to broaden my view of the world and to teach me to adjust to different cultures.  Although I still have a lot of learning to do, I praise Jesus for my time at SAGU and for the mental, social, and spiritual growth that He brought to my life there!”