Catherine Cole's journey into teaching began with a leap into the unknown. After graduating from Michigan State University, she secured her first job as a second-grade teacher in the small town of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and settled into married life with her husband, who had recently earned a degree in forestry. With limited local opportunities in his field, Cole’s husband found a temporary position as a substitute math teacher in the same town.
Their lives took an unexpected turn when he landed a job with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company as a district manager overseeing 2,000 acres of rubber plantation in Liberia, West Africa. The couple moved to this remote, military-like base, forming a close-knit community with other Firestone workers and their families. There, Cole accepted a teaching position and taught first, second, and third graders. Many of her students came from diverse backgrounds, including students from the Netherlands, Liberia, England, and the United States. Her two-year term at this small school was a one-of-a-kind teaching experience that set the foundation for Cole’s lifelong dedication to education.
After spending two years in Liberia, Cole and her husband returned to the U.S. She paused her career to focus on raising her family and later spent 10 enjoyable years working at the Presbyterian Weekday Nursery School, where she taught 3 and 4-year-olds. The kids' comically imaginative comments – like one boy's observation that she had fur on her arm, just like her dad – made each day entertaining. Eventually, Cole took a break to renew her teaching license and separated from her first husband. Seeking a full-time position, she pursued and earned her master's degree. She was then hired as a kindergarten teacher in Valparaiso, where she taught for 17 years until her retirement.
Cole found immense joy and fulfillment in teaching kindergarten. She fondly recalls the positive environment, supportive parents, engaged students, and colleagues that made teaching a rewarding experience. Even now, former students often recognize and thank her for the lasting impact she had on their lives. Her advice to current teachers is to embrace the significant influence they have on their students and to find fulfillment in the unique and rewarding feelings of teaching.
“It's an impactful experience to have the kind of influence that a teacher does on an individual child in a classroom. It's a big responsibility, and it's worthwhile. It’s rewarding.” Cole said.
With a deep interest in a variety of subjects, there was always something engaging to share with her students. The “Weekly Reader” was a constant source of unique topics, but Cole’s favorite activity was reading to the children. Throughout the year, she had favorite books that she enjoyed reading to her class. "The Velveteen Rabbit" always held a special place in her heart. She often became emotional at the end of the book.
"It's just so sweet and certainly has some layers of depth to it," Cole said. "Sometimes, the kids would whisper to one another and say, ‘Look, she's got tears coming down her face.’”
The children seemed touched by the moment, connecting with the emotional weight of the story. Throughout her teaching career, Cole has been proudest of instilling values into her students. She believes that even small gestures, like a smile or holding a door open, can have a significant impact.
"I’m proud to be able to teach kids that values are important. It’s important to be kind, to do the best you can, and to show up," she said. "It doesn't have to be a big act of help. Just find somebody to help in a small way. You don't know what they're going through."
At 83, Cole has witnessed significant progress in understanding, acceptance, and diversity. She remains hopeful and positive, believing in the return to meaningful values and recognizing the positive deeds of others.
"In my 83 years, we have come a long way, but it's taken a long time," she said. "I really believe in those positive things that we see every day in the world. You can recognize people for their good deeds and give positive feedback; I think that's important.”
Cole's perspective is that we're all the same at our core, and it's essential to focus on positive qualities like strength and insight. She firmly believes in showing up, doing your best, and showing people that you care. This mindset continues to guide her in her volunteer work, making a positive impact on the people she helps.
Cole's introduction to Meals on Wheels came after she and her second husband, Zane, retired and wanted to give back to the community through volunteering. They found Meals on Wheels and were then trained for their very first route. Cole feels it is a sort of treasure hunt, delivering meals to seven or eight households following a directory and written instructions. They would pick up the meals and head out on their adventure, with her husband leading the way. With his experience as a former director of transportation, navigating these routes was easy. He drives and delivers the meals, while Cole prepares them for him to take to the door.
They've been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for 10 years now. As substitute drivers, they take over a regular route a few times a week and often form close relationships with clients. Each client has a little story to share, making every delivery feel meaningful.
"It's nice to be doing something that we feel is really helping,” Cole said. “It gets us out so that we see other people. Zane comes back to the car with a smile on his face; I always love that. It's easier and more fun because you know the people, you know the clients, you know the route.”
The feedback from the clients is overwhelmingly positive. For Cole and her husband, volunteering with Meals on Wheels gives them a sense of purpose.
"I'm 83 and Zane is 78, and here we are. We've got a key purpose. It gets you out of bed in the morning. It makes you smile, and it makes your heart feel good," Cole said.
Cole's philosophies as a teacher and her work as a volunteer are deeply intertwined. The importance of kindness, dedication, and community has been present throughout her entire life. As a teacher, she instilled values in her students and was a firsthand example of what it looks like to show up, do your best, and show others you care. These same principles guide her work with Meals on Wheels, where she continues to make a difference in people's lives. Cole's legacy is one of true dedication to making the world a better place, one person at a time.