Christian living teacher shares passion, motivation

A staple of Fresno Christian’s atmosphere is the administration’s willingness to come alongside students and shape their walk with the Lord, wherever they may be at. Certain staff members go above and beyond, allowing their Christ-like attitude to spread throughout the student body.

Christian living teacher Aubri Foster is one such teacher. She teaches her class how she lives her life – completely devoted to her faith.

After teaching at Fresno Pacific University, West Hills Community College and Hume Lake Charter Schools, Foster came to Fresno Christian as a 5th grade teacher. When asked to transfer to high school, she took on the challenge willingly.

Principal Amy Deffenbacher was compelled to hire Foster due to her talent and proficiency. She acknowledges the extra effort Foster provides that is exclusive to her.

“Mrs. Foster is unique in that she is highly educated and qualified, but she is also enthusiastic and joyful about what she does,” Deffenbacher said. “​She offers expertise in the academic areas​ of Bible and English combined with ministry experience and a heart for student growth. Mrs. Foster has the ability to see good in every situation- even when it is hard. She is willing to throw herself into problems and solutions and next steps because she loves God and loves others.”

Foster shares her testimony in class, revealing the personal hardships she experienced as a young adult. Her journey in overcoming these conflicts not only help her empathize with the struggles students face, but equip her to mentor them in their own faith.

This is not to say that frustrations in the classroom don’t arise. As a Christian, Foster understands the importance of faith, and at times wonders if she’s making a difference in the lives of her students. However, she stresses that her job isn’t to force students to believe, but to present them with the material to understand. From there Foster believes it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to influence them.

I realized life wasn’t about pointing out the right and wrong, it’s about love and loving people where they’re at, walking with them in the hard and the good and being a good friend. Yes speak truth, but you have to speak truth in love. Whether you’re worried, depressed or anxious, you can trust that God is actively involved in whatever it is. His plans are better than yours and better than mine, and you can find the joy when you’re in the middle of it. — Aubri Foster

Still she strives to have a personal relationship with students.

“I feel really compelled to create a relationship with students where they feel respected themselves, where they feel listened to, and valued as humans and not just as numbers,” Foster said. “They’re not just a seat in a classroom. My Jesus is relational and my God is relational, He didn’t just start the world and walk away. He’s involved every day so I need to follow his example and get involved.”

Fresno Christian’s diverse student body includes those of different faiths and beliefs. Foster understands this and tackles it head-on, accommodating each individual’s needs. Her internal drive to be there for every student stems from the passion she feels for others.

“Juniors and seniors are cool people, and I loved that time in my life,” Foster said. “My husband and I worked for 5 years with high schoolers in youth ministry, and there’s something cool that happens right before you graduate when you start questioning everything you’ve ever known and start freaking out about where you’re headed. Everything is up for grabs while you try to figure out what God’s will for you is, and that journey is cool to be a part of. It’s exciting to say that God’s will for you is to love him and love others wherever you’re at, so don’t freak out about the details and everything else will come.”

When asked about where her joy comes from, Foster’s response is that it comes from Jesus. After all the hardships she’s endured, hope and optimism lead her to believe that there is always a silver lining in the midst of the trouble.

“I realized life wasn’t about pointing out the right and wrong, it’s about love and loving people where they’re at, walking with them in the hard and the good and being a good friend,” Foster said. “Yes speak truth, but you have to speak truth in love. Whether you’re worried, depressed or anxious, you can trust that God is actively involved in whatever it is. His plans are better than yours and better than mine, and you can find the joy when you’re in the middle of it.”

Foster is one of many teachers on campus that feels close to the student body. She is dedicated to not only teaching but inspiring her students and furthering their faith. Her faith helps her find solutions for students because she truly believes that everything is a part of a bigger plan. 

For more articles, read: Senior joins soccer team, hopes to make improvements or The effects of mass marketing on high school students.

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