Sometimes educators don’t know they’re meant to teach until they’re actually doing it. That’s what happened to Evelyn Park-Korompis.

“In all honesty, after two years of college, I was ready to switch my major from education,” she shares. “However, my path changed when I felt called to serve as a student missionary in Palau, teaching at Palau Adventist Academy. During my mission year, I taught a class of 26 beautiful fourth graders and quickly fell in love with the profession.”

She says the experience profoundly impacted her. “I witnessed the students' rapid growth physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally,” she recalls. “Being with them for 180 days out of the year made me realize there is no better career for me than teaching.”

Evelyn is the product of Adventist Education herself, so she knows firsthand the profound value and benefits it offers students—among them, relationships that are rooted in Christ’s love. “Adventist schooling fosters lifelong friendships,” she confirms. “I married my high-school sweetheart, and many of my closest friends from high school were in our wedding party.”

She also recalls memorable school events and trips and foundational networking opportunities. “However,” she says, “what truly sets Adventist education apart is the freedom and luxury of openly discussing and exploring faith. Being able to talk about God and deepen my relationship with Him alongside my friends has been a pivotal part of my journey.”

Now, as a young educator, she’s seeing the beauty of bringing that connection and discussion into her own classroom. “Teaching in an Adventist school allows me to contribute to an environment where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually, just as I did,” she says. “It is an honor and a blessing to be part of a community that nurtures the whole person and instills values that last a lifetime.”
But Evelyn has an experience not all Adventist educators have—she also attended public school to test out the difference for herself. After being in Adventist classrooms from kindergarten through eighth grade, she decided to try a public high school for her freshman year to “see if it was really like the movies.”

What she found wasn’t quite cut out for the big screen, but it helped her forge an intentional path for the rest of her education. “While I had a fantastic time, I found myself missing the smaller class sizes, the grade-wide field trips, integration of Christ, and the numerous school events that helped me build strong friendships and lasting memories,” she says. So, after that one year, she enrolled in an Adventist academy.

Her academy years were, as she puts it, “incredibly fulfilling,” adding, “I formed close bonds with my teachers and relied on them not only for academic support but also for guidance and encouragement. The positive impact they had on me inspired me to pursue a career in education, where I hope to provide the same supportive and nurturing environment for my students.”

In her classroom, Evelyn strives to be the kind of teacher she looked up to as a child. “My greatest joy has been witnessing the child-like mind in action,” she says. “Children are naturally kind, selfless, and full of joy, and being around them reminds me of the purity and innocence that God intended for us. It’s a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment to see their genuine curiosity, their eagerness to learn, and their innate ability to show love and compassion.”

She says this reminds her every day of Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:3, where He implores His followers to become like little children. “Being exposed to the beautiful qualities of children helps me strive to embody those same virtues in my own life and teaching,” she shares.

To others who may be looking for a way to make a deep impact on future generations, Evelyn shares, “Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Teaching allows you to make a lasting impact on young lives, shaping their futures and inspiring them to reach their full potential. While the job can be demanding and challenging, the rewards are immense. The connections you build with your students, the joy of seeing them succeed, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve played a role in their journey can be incredibly fulfilling.”

Just like during her teaching experience in Palau, Evelyn loves getting to know her students over the course of a full school year and throughout their educational and life journeys. It’s being able to form bonds and see them feel safe and joyful that brings her the most joy as an educator. “Seeing that sparkle in their eyes when they talk about their greatest passions and excitement is priceless,” she says. “Creating an environment where kids feel secure and happy is the foundation for sparking their curiosity and love for learning. When students feel safe, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and engage deeply with the material, which is the ultimate reward for me as a teacher.”