For the past 23 years, McKinleyville High School has had the good fortune of being able to claim Lorraine Carlson as part of the staff.

“I taught for two years in Montana, then took off seven years and stayed at home while my sons were preschool age,” Carlson said. “I got a Master’s Degree during that time and then worked for Child Protective Services in Michigan for a year and a half before my husband got a job at HSU and we moved to California.”

Once in California, Carlson got a job as a teacher’s aide at Arcata High School while attempting to qualify to the California Teaching Credential.

After receiving her credentials, she began teaching at AHS for a few years until she was invited to become a part of the French Program at MHS; she has made an impression on her students and staff ever since.

“She’s a very nice person. She always respects you even when you’re stupid, actually that’s just for me,” laughed junior Eric LeBlanc. “She is a very happy, very outgoing. She loves life.”

Her class has been filled with activities related to French, but also teaches her students everything she believes to be important.

“I love how during class it isn’t all just learning about French, she tries to fit in lessons about life so we walk away from the class knowing more about French,” stated junior Taylor Nolan.

“Ultimately, the biggest goal would be to get kids to think for themselves, to be open to other ideas, other cultures, other ways of viewing the world, and then to find ways to go and make a difference in the world,” Carlson commented. “There are former students who are doing great and wonderful things and I am so pleased. If I had even an infinitesimally small, miniscule part of their decision to do so, I am content.”

Her attempts to get to know each of her students personally has not gone unnoticed and are appreciated by many.

“First of all she’s just a very good teacher, but mainly I think I am going to miss just our relationship as people. She really gets to know her students, and by doing that she can relate to us, and get through to us,” LeBlanc added.

Carlson’s natural outgoing demeanor is recognized throughout the entire school.

“I also feel like I know her really well because she always updates us about her life hoping we will give her the same respect,” Nolan elaborated.

Her class has been filled with numerous fun activities to help enhance her students’ knowledge on world culture.

“My favorite memory of being in French is when earlier this year we planned out this whole African presentation for elementary kids and I loved seeing all of the work she was willing to put into it just to spread cultural diversity,” Nolan said.

Her retirement plans are no smaller than her plans and goals as a teacher.

Next year, Carlson is going to be a live-in nanny for her grandchildren in Southern California, but after that, she is still deciding on her path.

“There are some ideas simmering in the back of my mind. I am exploring organizations that are doing effective work in Africa,” Carlson announced. “That has been in my mind and heart since high school when I wanted to join the Peace Corps. When we visited Gabon last summer, I became more convinced than ever that I may still have a calling to do something there.”

Carlson is also a two-time cancer survivor, something that has helped her view her life differently.

“I have tried to put aside more of the things that just aren’t as important as I thought they were,” Carlson informed. “At the same time, I have found that some things have become more urgent than ever. There is nothing like having to deal with one’s own mortality. It helps one to realize the critical importance of living each day to the fullest. It’s really true that today is a gift and one needs to open it gently and savor it completely. So go hug your parents and tell them how much you love them.”

Like everyone, Carlson has been shaped by the people around her.

“My mom was a huge inspiration for me,” Carlson said. “She began teaching when she was 18 and she taught in one-room schoolhouses in very primitive conditions for most of her life. She taught on Indian reservations and in Hutterite Colonies, for example. She helped those who had been told all their lives that they were second-class citizens to believe in themselves and be successful. I used to watch her and want to be like her. Also, my cousin was in the first class of Peace Corps volunteers after President Kennedy made the call. She went to Morocco, married a Moroccan, and to this day continues to use her French. She works for a world organization, lives in Switzerland and is a real hero of mine.”
Carlson is proud to have gotten to work with so many students.

“I have been allowed to work with some of the most unbelievable people in the world, young and old,” Carlson praised. “I have been given the opportunity to watch kids grow into wonderful, productive adults. I feel so incredibly blessed on so many levels.”

She has made an impression on her students, staff, MHS, and the community as a whole.

But whatever she is doing, she is going to be making a difference, whether it is in Africa or even just with her grandchildren.

“I would also hope that they see the value in doing things that matter ­to challenge themselves always, to keep raising the bar for themselves, and to never, ever settle for less than their very best,” Carlson commented. “They have so much to offer. It is their obligation to do great and marvelous things. And if they do, great joy will be theirs. I promise.”

(Opinions expressed in columns do not necessarily reflect those of The Eureka Reporter or its staff.)