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Alumni Spotlight
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August's Alumni Spotlight is on Ashlee (Priest) Dahm! Discover where life has taken her since the Class of 2018…
What is your favorite memory from your time here at TMA (as a student)?
Oh WOW, I have so many; it's hard to choose. The first one that comes to mind is going on Retreat my senior year. One of the traditions at TMA is that the seniors get to go up one night early, and I remember that night so vividly. This was back when we owned Camp Sparta in Sebring, and we all stayed in these little cabins spread out over the property. We had a bonfire, roasted S'mores, and had a time of worship all together as a class, and more importantly as a family. Later that night, one of my best friends, then (and now), and I decided to stay up super late and climb the tree right outside our cabin, and we just talked for hours about life and God and all the memories we made together over the years at TMA. The whole trip was just really special.
How has your faith influenced your desire to teach or your teaching style?
I never thought I would be a teacher, let alone back at TMA. I've always been interested in so many things, I could never decide exactly what I wanted to do. However, I did know two things: I love God, and I love to read. So, I majored in English. Four years later, a new passion for classics and a desire for higher education drove me to dive head first into applying to graduate school. I got accepted and was about to choose my classes, but I just didn't feel peace. I prayed about it, and God directed me to teaching. I'm glad I followed His lead because it brought me back to the place that gave so much to me. Because I value deep theological discussion, I tend to lean towards the Socratic method when it comes to teaching. As much as possible, I like to shift my room into a circle and join the discussion about our text alongside my students, asking questions that challenge them to think critically about their Christian worldview and compare it to our text. My students always surprise me with how deeply they think; it's truly an honor to watch them grow in their faith and respond to difficult topics with heavenly wisdom. .
In what ways did your spiritual foundation at TMA help guide you through college?
One of the most unique parts of TMA is the family of teachers we have. I was here K-12 and every single teacher I had cared about me like I was a part of their family. Of course they pushed me academically---even far past what I thought I was capable of---but above all, they poured into me spiritually by praying over me in person and by challenging me to truly know why I believe what I believe. They revealed their love for me by showing up to every cross country meet and every production I was a part of. I knew something was different about TMA, and the teachers, staff, admin, etc., was living proof to me that the Holy Spirit is alive and working by how they love, how they show up, and how they walk in Godly wisdom. That tangible proof of the Lord through the people at TMA, as well as my own personal relationship with Christ built over many years, carried me through my college journey. Were there still tough times where I wrestled with God about things going on in my life? Of course, but I never lost my faith nor my love for our mysterious and powerful God.
What encouragement would you offer students who are exploring their path after high school?
I would say to pray. I know that may seem obvious, but truly, consult the Lord. His plans have been tested time and time again to be far greater than my own plans. Every time I tried to create my own path of education or internships, etc., God's way ended up being the better way. If I could do it over again, I would've invited the Lord into more of the little decisions, and I would not have held back a single ounce of trust when it came to the bigger decisions. Additionally, when trying to choose a career path/major, look at the passions and gifts God has already instilled within you. I never thought that my love for words would turn into a career, but here I am!! I actually initially wanted to be a biomedical engineer (I once was good at math and science *sigh*), but my heart was in the beauty and power of language. I tried to ignore that, but God didn't let me, and now here I am, so blessed and so happy, with the opportunity to analyze texts that have informed and inspired our world alongside other great minds.
What has been one of the best parts about being back at TMA as a teacher?
Wow, SO many things!! First and foremost, I have the blessing and honor of working alongside my amazing mom, Tara Priest. She is one of my best friends and working together is the coolest gift. I would not trade it for all the world. I also get to work alongside my step-dad, Mark Greenwald, who just joined the team recently! They are both so special to me, and I am so grateful that we all get to be here at TMA together. Additionally, I have the unique opportunity to be colleagues with some of my past teachers!! I am honored every day to work with the people who shaped and molded me for so many years. I am still working on calling them by their first names haha, but we will get there eventually! Seeing TMA from both the student side and now the teacher side is so special. Watching my students participate in their passions, especially the areas I used to be a part of, is so surreal and inspiring. I'm looking forward to what this 40th year will bring and how God will continue to work within our school!