Two members of UCA's teaching staff have a meaningful story that began over 20 years ago. Sue Hanson, current UCA middle school science teacher, and Jenna Lutio, current Spanish teacher have a mentor/mentee relationship and has stood the test of time.
Here is the story told from Ms. Luttio's perspective:
"Once upon a time, a little kindergartener named Jenna Luttio started attending a school called Bloomington Christian School (BCS). That same year, a lady named Susan Hanson started working at that school. Fast forward a few years and 'Hanson' was a co teacher in Jenna’s 3rd grade class. Fast forward a few more years and BCS becomes Life Academy and 'Hanson' teaches Jenna health/science 5th-8th grade. By the time 6th/7th grade hit, Jenna started to see 'Hanson' as more than just a teacher; she saw someone she could trust and confide in. When 8th grade rolled around, Jenna started to stop by 'Hanson’s' classroom almost every day at lunch to talk about life. At that time neither of them knew it (at least Jenna didn’t) but a mentorship/friendship that would stand the test of time and that would last across countries and that would cross age barriers was beginning to form. Twenty plus years later and their friendship only continues to grow and deepen.
The number of years I have been looking up to 'Hanson' far surpass the years I haven't. To now be able to work alongside her is a grace I never anticipated but one for which I am endlessly grateful."
Mrs. Hanson also shared this:
"It's a full-circle kind of moment to teach with someone you taught and I couldn't be prouder of Ms. Jenna Luttio! I'm so impressed by her gifts, her confidence, her ability to lead, and her willingness to serve. The beautiful thing about mentoring is that you get to watch God shape that individual and sometimes you end up with a lifelong friend!"