Frau “My mother dressed me very German, with the Swiss braids and German clothes and I didn’t fit in.”  There’s a whole new, undiscovered person beyond the covers of your teachers. The more it’s ventured deeper, it becomes a story more worthy of sharing, and be inspired by.

Frau Waidlich has been a German teacher at Grover for more than eleven years. After achieving a major in English, she became a Language Arts teacher. But there’s a lot more to her story, since her childhood was quite controversial to what she fondly does today. “I rebelled and I refuse to speak German.” She says. Yet, life’s journey molds her into a German teacher!

“ I moved to Germany when I was 5 1/2” She says, “After I was born in America.” Frau underwent many relatable, but at the same time uncomfortable obstacles, through her school life. “My father had to help me with homework for three hours” She explained, while displaying her treasured memories, from her old notebooks, and drawings. In many cases though, Ms.Waidlich felt the odd one out, especially during the switch of cultures. And a very interesting aspect of her childhood – She wouldn’t speak German!

Yet, life really started to shape up in her years of middle and high school, which planned out most of her future. “I went through a phase 8 through 12 and I wasn’t in the popular class, but I had friends.”

Along the usual twists in life, Frau has an addition of three wonderful, unique kids. Two boys, Joseph and Thomas, and the youngest of all, her daughter Katherine. Furtherby, prior to the success of each of her extraordinary children, stands Frau with her hands behind them, ready for a grip whenever they fall.

The oldest son, Joseph, mostly referred as Joe, was the mischief in the house. Perhaps if a glass ornament fell from Frau’s fragile decorated christmas tree on the floor, it was probably little Joe who’s found guilty. Yet, as times brings us long, Joseph Waidlich now fights for the country, being part of the Navy. Later, Joe marred Jenn, who is a therapist.

Likewise, Thomas, pet named as Tom, also had his mom’s back. One son fighting for the country is proud, however Tomas just makes Frau twice as proud. Just like his older brother, after struggles and long periods of training, Thomas Waidlich qualifies for the Marine. Following that, Thomas weds Alexandra, and soon they have a baby boy, Jacob. A new addition to the family, making Frau waidlich a grandma! Of Course, and their dog, Charlie.

Hoever, Katherine made Frau delighted, whenever Frau would address her children. 2 sons at war for our country, and her daughter working for the Blackrock financial company! “ Don’t you feel nervous, every moment you think of your sons having their life at stake?” I question her, and she replies, “Of course! I feel scared every time I think of it! But, at the same time I’m really proud of them.”

Wait.. there’s more to this talented family. Frau has a great taste for food, and when her old treasured recipe box, students want to question- “Das ist SEHR gut frau! Wer schreibt diese?” That’s SO great, frau! Who wrote these?” She explains, all about her marvelous mother. A professional chef right at her kitchen. “My mother’s deserts are just so divine!” she exclaims. Frau Waidlich mother, didn’t have a chance to complete her education, due to World War II, so her mother chose to take baking class in Germany. Every Year, students long to see or taste Frau’s mothers food, but unfortunately, her talented, encouraging mother had passed away.

After years of teaching Language arts in America, Frau started to miss her tongue at German. She felt many students would be curious to learn the language, therefore fought for the language to be one of the district’s international languages. A small thought brought her quite far.

Until current day, Frau’s classroom is filled with surprises and fun. Students don’t sit in front of the board, rather we walk into, a miniature germany itself. Students taste germany’s food, culture, traditions, and environment. Frau continues to enchant that room, making students like me want to learn more, dancing along to her extraordinary enthusiasm.