Testimonial: Susie Clavadetscher

Testimonial of a former HCA student

 

(The following is a speech that Miss Clavadetscher gave to all HCA parents in September 2009.)

Hi, my name is Susie Clavadetscher. I'm 18 years old, and I just graduated last June from Snohomish High School. When I was asked if I'd be willing to speak this evening, although I was a little nervous, my immediate reaction was to say yes, because even though it seems like forever ago that I was in this very gym playing dodge ball or singing in Christmas musicals, I was very excited about sharing my Heritage experience, because it was such a big part of my life.

I attended Heritage Christian as a preschooler in 1993, all the way through seventh grade in 2004. And for the majority of my growing up, this place was a second home. My mother Bridget worked here as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher, and my two brothers attended school here as well. We live about 40 minutes north of here in a town called Snohomish, so there was a bit of a commute. I usually got here in the morning before all the other kids did, and was one of the last to go home, simply because of the distance and my mom's job. At the time, I didn't understand why we had to drive for such a long time just to go to school, when there was a public school just a few blocks from home. But my parents, being the infinite wisdom holders they are, said this was better. Better than what? I thought. School is school, isn't it? I had no idea the sacrifices my parents made at the time to send their three children to a private Christian school.

It wasn't until my 8th grade year that I became aware that apparently money doesn't grow on trees, and that I had to start attending public school for the first time. That was a big wake-up call for me. I have to admit that I felt a bit out of place. It was just small things at first, but I definitely noticed. Teachers and students had a very different relationship with each other than what I was used to, as did students with other students. I was a little nervous my first few days, mainly because I had no idea that I had been so sheltered from the secular world. It was a lot more than simply not going to Chapel on Tuesdays or praying before lunch. The language kids would use at such a young age, and the lack of respect and manners they didn't possess was somewhat appalling to me, even at only 14. I don't mean to suggest that all public education is undesirable, not in the least. I had many opportunities presented to me, especially in high school, that I feel very fortunate to have partaken it. But mostly I would say the standards that adults had for teenagers, and the students had for themselves, were shockingly low, and I felt like I did not belong there.

Growing up at Heritage Christian, I not only learned of the unconditional love Christ has for me, but also that although we are in this world, we are not of it. Heritage challenged me to raise the bar and keep my standards high, as a student as well as a Christian. Even at a young age, I was pushed by an incredibly loving and supportive environment of staff and students to be the best I could possibly be and let my light shine for God's glory. I personally believe that I do continue to stand out from other students my age, not only because of my well-rounded education, but because Christ lives in me.

There came a time for me in high school when I had to ask myself, "Why do I believe what I believe? Is it because that's what I've been taught, or is it because I know it to be true?" I guarantee you, at some point in your child's life, they will be faced with the same question. It's not something anyone else can answer for them, as much as a parent or other Christian influence may want to. But I assure you, that the time spent invested in a solid Christian education will help them come to their conclusion.

I know it's not always an easy path. Believe me, my family thrived off hand-me-down clothes and used school supplies. But there can't be a price set on the value of what you are giving your child. They may not appreciate it now, or for quite a while. But one day they will look back upon the sacrifices you made so they could experience a unique education, and say thank you. The friendships they make, the knowledge and skills they will learn, and the spiritual relationship with their Heavenly Father they strengthen, will follow them through the rest of their lives, and that is truly one of the greatest acts of love you can show them.

My only wish was that I could have spent more time here. But as hard as it was for me to trust in the Lord‘s timing, I believe that my time here was just enough, and that He felt I was ready to witness my beliefs to others. My youth pastor once told me that the Lord does not put us in situations or environments that he does not first give us the strength to push through. Knowing this is very comforting, especially now that I am in another transitional stage in my life entering college. But I know the Lord has equipped me for this journey, through the relationships I've made and the knowledge I've learned, and with the grounding base education of Heritage Christian Academy. I just want to thank each and every one of my teachers from Heritage, even if they are no longer teaching, for having such a big part in my upbringing, and for molding me into the young woman of God I am today.

 

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