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Guam - Sarah Ovalles Lake says that it was her mother who operated a daycare center who influenced her to become a teacher. "I was involved in it and I said, 'This is fun!' That helped kids out," she recalled.


Lake, who has been teaching for close to 15 years, is currently a fourth grade teacher at the Home of the Ko'kos, at B.P. Carbullido Elementary School. She says when it comes to engaging students she tries to make the subject matter relevant and relatable. "Whatever I'm teaching helps engage them. Allowing that type of environment where everyone has something important, and making them feel valued," she continued.


She says a big challenge for her is the lack of motivation with some students that could be attributed to several factors, saying, "My challenge for me is to bring that back to them, let them know that they're valuable, and that they can learn, "It's a challenge for me, and I do accept that challenge because it allows me to grow as a teacher."


Ultimately, she says her love for teaching trumps receiving a paycheck. "Teaching has got to always come from the heart," Lake shared. "If you are looking for any other rewards other than seeing your children being successful in areas where they weren't in the development of that child."


As for what she wishes for her fourth graders, she said, "The one thing that is really important to me relay to that child that he or she is important, they're valuable, that they have something to offer. That they can make a difference and that they can be successful.


"Everyone is at different learning capacities, we're not all 'A' students, we have our challenges but if those simple things in life, believe that in themselves, I think it can take them a long way in life."