Meet the Thurston Team
This week we are pleased to highlight:
Sarah Schaeffer
Teacher - 6th Grade Language Arts
Thurston Middle School
Birthday: August 14
Tell us little about yourself.
I was born and raised in San Diego and am the youngest of five. I love having a big family, and now three out of five of us live in Orange County (within fifteen minutes of each other), and we spend a ton of time together.
Growing up in San Diego, we were always Chargers and Padres fans and went to games often. I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, and I attended San Diego State University where I earned a bachelor's degree, teaching credential, and master's degree...Go Aztecs!
My husband and I met in high school, although we didn't begin dating until years later, and we were married in San Diego on November 15, 2014. We have traveled to many places together, but our greatest adventure has been having our twins, Olivia and Gavin, who were born on July 27, 2018. We now enjoy spending time together as a family with our dog, Murphy.
Tell us the best advice you have for students.
My best advice for students is to be kind to each other. Surround yourself with good friends who lift you up and hold you and themselves to a high standard. This will help you become the best version of yourself. I am still extremely close with several of my friends from middle school, and I love that we have that history together and can look back at some of our most awkward memories together and laugh!
What fictional place would you most like to go?
Hogwarts!!!
What are some small things that make your day better?
There are so many small things that can have a hugely positive impact on my day! Talking on the phone to a friend or family member on my drive to or from work always puts me in a good mood. Having time in the morning to make breakfast and drink at least a cup of coffee while it's still hot, walking on the beach trail in San Clemente, roaming the aisles at Target...these are all things that bring me great joy!
What songs have you completely memorized?
There are several songs that I
think
I have memorized, but, as it turns out, I often have the lyrics completely incorrect. My husband loves to correct me, but I usually like my lyrics better, so I just stick with them! I love music, and listen to pretty much all genres, from country to rap to pop. I especially love musicals, so I can pretty much sing every song from
The Greatest Showman
and
Wicked
soundtracks.
How different was your life one year ago?
My life was so insanely different a year ago than it is today! B.T. (before twins) I slept a full eight hours a night, my schedule wasn't dictated by naps or feedings, and I had so much more time to do whatever it was that I wanted to do! But I absolutely love being a mom and wouldn't change one thing about my life now!
What pets did you have while you were growing up?
I have always had dogs. When I was younger, we had shelties. My first dog's name was Rudolph and my second dog's name was Woody. Now I am a proud dogmom to Murphy, a crazy yellow lab who just turned three last month, but he still acts like a puppy.
Thank you Sarah for participating in our Thurston Team interview!