Sara Rankin, a Samford University junior studying elementary education with a concentration in Christian education and missions, celebrated the bonds formed during her required teacher training by creating a lasting keepsake for her peers. Inspired by the support and encouragement she received from her cohort; she spent her Spring Break crafting personalized graduation stoles for each member who completed their teacher training at Trace Crossings Elementary School.
“For the past three years, I have been blessed to be poured into and encouraged by my peers,” she said. “They have been my rock and cheerleaders during this journey to becoming the best teacher I can be.”
Her initial idea began as a personal project—a stole made with her first-grade students at Trace Crossings. However, as she reminisced with her cohort about their shared experiences, she decided to extend the gesture to all of them, ensuring that each future educator had a tangible reminder of their students and the impact they made during their time in the classroom.
What resulted, individual graduation stoles signed by the elementary students of Trace Crossings and dedicated to each of their teachers’ pursuing degrees within Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education.
Rankin’s cohort has played a crucial role in her growth as an educator, providing a strong foundation of friendship and encouragement. Spending five days a week together for hours at a time has made the group inseparable.
“They have become my best friends who have helped me find my love for teaching and making a difference in young children,” said Rankin. “I have learned pure joy just by knowing them. They are such an easy group of girls to serve and celebrate because that is all they have ever shown to me.”
Her journey at Samford has been one of discovery and passion. Although she initially questioned whether education was the right path for her, she ultimately found her calling through the guidance of her professors and the experiences she gained in the classroom.
“My professors have worked hard to unlock a passion I never knew I had,” she said. “They have given me opportunities to radiate God’s love to young students around Birmingham.”
One of her favorite cohort memories is from basketball day in the fall, when they helped facilitate an event for more than 1,000 students from seven schools at Pete Hanna Center. Despite the rainy weather, the day was filled with laughter and moments that she will cherish forever.
Though graduation is still a year away for her, Rankin remains open to wherever her calling leads.
“I would love to stay here in Birmingham, but I will go wherever the Lord calls me,” she said. “I have loved my time in first grade as well as fifth grade, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
For now, she hopes the stoles will serve as a heartfelt reminder of the relationships and experiences that have shaped her and her peers, carrying their shared memories into the next chapter of their teaching journeys.
