I will never forget that day when I came to Mrs. Lorna Stanley, this noble woman of God, in search of a job. At the time, I was working at Burger King but I was unhappy there as the pay was small and it was a dead-end job and I needed a change. Someone had told me that if I had graduated from high school I stood a good chance at being employed at the Operation Restoration Christian School.

Richard Anderson teaching his class in an unfinished classroom

I then went to see Mrs. Stanley who told me that with hard work and determination I could be anything I wanted to and that she was willing to give me an opportunity to become a successful person. My entire life has changed since I started working at the Operation Restoration Christian School three years ago.

I have learnt a lot over the years from Aunt Lorna, as she is affectionately called. She has taught me the pros and cons about teaching, I have been properly trained. With her help and encouragement, I attended evening classes and took and passed the required subjects that have enabled me to be accepted as an evening student at the prominent St. Joseph Teachers’ College. I am now pursuing a course in Primary Education and I am doing well with my studies. On numerous occasions, Aunt Lorna would assist me with fees and bus fares whenever I am broke.

Mrs. Stanley has helped me to mature in all aspects of my life. I have never met any one as patient and understanding as this woman. There was a time when I felt that she was too much of a perfectionist and, feeling that I had had enough corrections about punctuality and speaking proper English, I decided to venture elsewhere. It was then that I realized how much I had really learnt from Mrs. Stanley as I stood above all the other “academically trained teachers” at that institution and people always asked me how come was from the ghetto yet I spoke so well.

I soon missed the discipline and love I received from Mrs. Stanley and, like the Prodigal Son, I returned home and she gave me the fatted calf, the glistening robe and welcomed me back with open arms. Miss Lorna is like a tower of strength, a Principal, and a special gift from God. She is by far, my role model. Oh, how I love this woman!!!

Richard Anderson

Level IV Teacher
Restoration Christian School