Educational and Animal Rescue Advocacy in Rural South Carolina with Beverly Stroman
Today’s show features another blast from my past! I spoke with Miss Beverly (a.k.a. Beverly Stroman), my elementary school teacher who still lives in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, where I grew up.
In addition to being a teacher, she’s also been an assistant principal, principal, and district volunteer coordinator. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to church, mentorship, and animal rescue.
In this episode of the Words of Love podcast, you’ll hear about the lack of opportunities and equality that kids and their families face in rural areas and get Beverly’s perspective on how the pandemic affected Orangeburg County. We’ll also share some old memories (including one that has resonated with me for life) and talk about her mentorship and volunteer work rescuing animals.
4:35 - The economic challenges that rural communities face
7:45 - How the COVID pandemic exposed an economic and social justice gap
16:02 - The impact of programs like Upward Bound on those living in rural areas
22:45 - Miss Beverly’s memories of me and my fellow students in her class
29:04 - How one experience with Miss Beverly has been a life-changer for me
38:25 - Miss Beverly talks about her mentoring program and animal rescue volunteerism
47:06 - The benefit of taking a back seat and letting someone else at the wheel
About Beverly Stroman
Beverly knew from childhood that God’s purpose for her was to help children. She has been an elementary teacher, gifted and talented teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district volunteer coordinator. Beverly is happily retired and devotes her time to her church, animal rescue, and volunteer guardian ad litem.