Alumni Educator Profile
Eric Westra
Class of 1988
Grade/Subject/Position: High School Theology at Mount Michael Benedictine School
Elkhorn, Nebraska
When I realized/discovered I wanted to be a teacher: I took kind of a meandering path to this profession. I worked with Lincoln Parks and Rec during college, which probably was my first inkling that I actually enjoyed the daily routines and challenges of working with kids. Later, when I was in the seminary discerning a priestly vocation, various teaching apostolates helped me realize that I loved discussing Big Ideas with little folks. About the time I was transitioning out of the seminary, Creighton University was just starting their MAGIS program for people who wanted to try teaching but hadn’t studied education in college. The timing was providential, and I’ve been teaching ever since.
School memories that impacted how/why I teach: Just the other day, a student pronounced the word “because” as “be-CUZZ” and I found myself thinking of Sister Amata when I corrected him! Every teacher I’ve ever had — from Miss Rooney in first grade at Saint Teresa’s to band with Mr. Murphy or Latin with Fr. Holly at Pius X — has left some impression upon me that shapes what I do and how I interact with my students. I think what I’ve learned from them is that for education to be effective, students need to see passion, personality, and persistence from their teachers every single day.
The impact of my students on me: Teaching theology to young people has tested and challenged and inspired my own faith in so many ways. My students have shown me that God works in each person’s life differently, and that no matter where we are on our journey God is intensely interested in everything we do. I try to remember that and in a small way reflect that in my own interactions with people — both in and out of the classroom.
My memories of Pius X: I remember Sister Ann giving me my first and only detention for forging Mr. Murphy’s signature on a service form. And I remember Father Barr reprimanding me for orchestrating some financial scheme behind his back when I was Student Council president. Now I’m student council advisor, and I review student service reports at my school. Life is full of amusing ironies.
