Jolene Paasch '73 looks toward retirement with a great deal of anticipation, and also a little anxiety.

The 66-year-old has been teaching 34 years total, taking off 10 years when her four children were born. After graduating in 1973 from Midland Lutheran College, she taught for three years in Hooper then took her break.

“I’ve taught every grade other than kindergarten,” Paasch said. “I’ve enjoyed working with the people and children in North Bend. It’s been a good place to work. They have a value for education (that) makes it a nice place to work.”

“Day by day, it’s a new experience,” Paasch said. “From the time you get in the classroom until the time to go home. Every day is a new experience because the students make it that way. You never know exactly what’s going to happen. Some days its a joyful day, and some days it’s not.”

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