Stephanie Youstra

Dabbler in lots, expert in not-so-lots. Examples? I've been {in no particular order} a youth minister, boarding school head, Benedictine sister, music therapy intern, chemical engineering major, computer/math/religion teacher, resident tech expert, slave to cats, friend, mentor, volunteer, trivia nerd, and class clown. I am a Stone Ridge Gator and a Dayton Flyer, a Washingtonian and a SmallTownPodunksVillian. I pretend to be a fencer and a photographer. You name it, I've probably at least tried it ... and maybe even been a little OK at it.

My philosophy on teaching sophomore girls (and no, contrary to what most people ask me, I didn't "do anything to deserve that")? "I love it. You've got to have a sense of humor -- you never know what they'll come up with!" I have fun, goof off, and try to sneak a little knowledge in when they're not looking.

My goals with the girls? I try to challenge them to think. Broaden their awareness beyond their little insulated bubbles. Begin to look at who they are and what THEY think/feel/believe, rather than what they've been told that they should.

My approach to teaching religion? "Wherever you are is fine, as long as you're open to the journey." If I ask you what you think, I want to know what you think, NOT what you think I want you to think. Grapple with the questions, engage the material. Begin to claim it for yourself, and not just because that's what someone else told you to.

My favorite endorsement? "Ms. Youstra, I was thinking about it the other day, and I realized --- I actually learned something in your class last year!"

My number one requirement? PLAY NICE!!!!!