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“Thanks a lot, Troxell!” It’s an expression that always makes her students smile. TPS’s Mrs. Nikki Troxell, of dearly-departed Grammar & Comp fame, has a way of turning even a difficult English concept into something that is not only understandable, but is also fun. With “hoogie-boxes” and “stair-step-head man” to aid them in memorizing the intricacies of diagramming sentences, her students take her own hilariously sarcastic “Thanks a lot, Troxell!” and express true gratitude for the way she brings English to life. Rest assured, when you take a Mrs. T class, your view of English will never be the same.

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of catching up with the ever-brilliant Mrs. T to ask her a few questions about her experience as a teacher and about life in general.

MH: When and why did you decide to teach?

NT: I decided to teach while in college. I entered college with the idea that I might become a doctor, but after shadowing a very busy pediatrician and realizing that family would suffer if I went that route, I went with my second love: writing. I ended up going the education route because it just made sense.

MH: How did you hear about TPS, and when did you begin teaching TPS classes?

NT: I heard about TPS from a colleague of mine at a traditional school where I was teaching. His cousin had met Mrs. Gilbert at a conference in Thailand, and my colleague (Mr. Lemon--a teacher with TPS now) told me he thought TPS would be a great way to have a family and teach at the same time. I contacted Mrs. G. in November of 2001, and she called me in December to say TPS had a JH English teacher that had to leave mid-year because of health problems. I began teaching for TPS that spring while simultaneously teaching at traditional school. The next year I taught full time for TPS.

MH: What is your favorite part of teaching? Least favorite?

NT: I love the students and seeing them grasp a concept. I love seeing the result of their hard work--how their writing changes from the beginning of the year until the end. Least favorite? I don't really crave grading papers. :)

MH: What things or people influence you most as a teacher?

NT: My students influence me. Seeing them change encourages me to keep doing what I am doing. Receiving notes from parents and students saying what a difference the class is making for them influences me to keep doing what I do.

MH: Based on your experience with literature classes, what is your favorite book to teach?

NT: I loved teaching Frankenstein. It had so many spiritual applications. We don't use that book in my lit class anymore, but if I could add another one, that would be it.

MH: What do you think of the TPS trips you have been on? What are a few of your favorite memories from those trips?

NT: In 2004 I went to Thailand with a group of TPS students, and in 2006 I went to Honduras. I most enjoyed just finally meeting my students, hanging out with them, and hearing their hearts for missions and for doing God's work. I love seeing their growth as young believers.  

MH: If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be? Why?

NT: I haven't been to Europe or Africa yet, so I'd go to one of those two places. I'm always game for a safari in Africa. Who doesn't want to see an elephant or lion in its natural habitat!

MH: When did you become a Christian, and who was the greatest influence in your conversion?

NT: I accepted Christ as my personal savior when I was only about four or five at a backyard, five-day club put on by Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). I made a genuine commitment, however, to follow Christ at the age of 13 at a youth camp in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My mother and my grandparents have been the biggest influences in my walk as a believer. Mom is an open book for me, and I see her dealing with some of the same faith issues I deal with regularly. She has memorized so many scripture verses that she can just pull one out of the air, seemingly, and then use it to battle doubt. My grandparents pray for all of their grandchildren by name every day, and knowing they do that makes me realize God is caring for our every need. Their faith is incredible.

MH: What is the greatest lesson God has ever taught you?

NT: God never says "oops." When I wonder why things are the way they are in life, I remember that He has never made a mistake nor will He ever make a mistake. When Mr. T. and I were first married, I subconsciously dismissed God in my mind, telling Him thanks for everything, but I could handle life from that point forward. Up until that point in my life, I had relied so heavily on God for what I called the big decisions: what I was going to do with my life and who I was going to marry. Once I had married Mr. T. and had a great job teaching at a public school, I figured I didn't need God as much because I had those big decisions all cared for. Dumb mistake. God had to teach me all about relying on Him again through some very painful circumstances which included physical ailments, hospital stays, and even marital stress. He planned every detail of that period of my life, and He knew what would bring me back to him. Now, as I see some of my own relatives estranged from God and going through difficult times, I have to remember that God never allows something to happen in our lives and then says, "Oops. Didn't mean for that to happen!" He has perfect and ultimate control for a reason.

MH: How did you and Mr. Troxell meet?

NT: Mr. T. and I met in college. We were both South Dakota natives attending college in Oklahoma, so that was our first similarity. One night he just called me up out of the blue. I knew who he was but had never talked with him. We talked for about an hour, and then he asked me to "shoot hoops" (play basketball) with him. That was our first date. :)  

MH: What's your favorite part about being a new mom?

NT: The poopy diapers (j/k!)! I love when Samantha smiles at me. She's got the best toothless grin in the world, and even when life is not perfect around us, I can look at her, see her smile, and realize God is sooooooo good because He gave us this incredible gift we call Sammy.

MH: What are your favorite things to do, when not teaching?

NT: I love to run. I would run outside every day if I the weather and time permitted me to do so.

MH: What words of advice would you give to your students?

NT: Trust God. No matter what happens in life, He's your one constant, and He cares about even the little things--like tests and papers.

 

 

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