Gretchen Wiswell, senior
Senior Amber Teske is the Energizer Bunny of the Friends University community.
Between her role as president of Falcon Student Organizations (FSO), she also juggles her math education major and being a member of Concert Choir -- not to mention being involved in Kantorei and Acts of Faith, all while holding jobs at both the Writing Center and the Registrar’s Office.
She is certainly one of the most familiar faces on the Friends campus.
Teske came to Friends because of the students’ personalities and for a smoother transition from high school to college.
“Coming from a small, rural school, I decided it wouldn't be as big of a change for me as if I had gone to a state school. Along with that, I just liked the idea that all or most of my professors would know me by name and be interested in my learning experience,” said Teske.
Since then, Teske has become involved heavily in the school’s FSO program and was elected as president of FSO for 2011-2012. Hoping to build the FSO section of the Student Government Association, she took her leadership position and used it as a resource to help campus clubs and organizations to accomplish their goals.
As president of FSO, she has led two leadership development days, increased the number of meetings for the FSO clubs and organizations to encourage organizations to express their opinions and grow as leaders, and has assisted in the construction of by-laws for SGA as a member of the Executive Council.
“I feel proud of what the group has accomplished, and I see FSO gaining strength and heading in a really great direction,” said Teske.
Director of Campus Life Gary Rapp had only positive words for Teske.
“I have been impressed by Amber’s always-positive attitude and caring spirit. She has used her concern for others to lead by example. She will be missed greatly when she graduates, but the world is getting a great servant leader,” said Rapp.
As a math education major, Teske hopes to use the speaking and organizational skills she has learned during her time as president to help her in the classroom. As a teacher, she plans to use her degree for many purposes. Her plans include teaching middle school math in the Wichita area and working for the Teach for America Program, a program that trains and places teachers in high need areas in large cities around the country. She has also considered teaching overseas.
“There is a school in Manila, Philippines, called Faith Academy, that is for the children of missionaries. I would love to teach there someday, as long as it's in God's plan for me. That is a long way down the road and right now I'm living one day at a time,” she said.
Teske said that her time at Friends has taught her many important things, but the biggest lesson has been trusting God in all situations.
“The biggest thing that will follow me is staying true to who I am in every situation and placing my trust in God, even when it's scary and uncertain. Love God, love people. It’s that hard. It’s that simple.”