Meet Mrs. Tran
From the basketball court to the classroom, teacher and alumna Caitlin Tran, shares her experiences as a student at Horizon Christian School which led her to becoming a teacher. One of our core values is HOME, because we love to cultivate a compassionate community that allows for people to see and sense the love of God. Read more to see how our alumna, Mrs. Caitlin Tran, journeyed across the world to return to our beloved home we call Horizon Christian School.
HCS: How many years were you a student at Horizon Christian and when did you graduate?
Tran: I started attending Horizon in second grade and continued through middle school. When I entered my freshman year, the high school was not yet built, so I attended Wilsonville High School my freshman and sophomore year. I was able to transfer back to Horizon Christian while taking Japanese at Wilsonville my junior year. I attended Horizon Christian solely my senior year and graduated in 2009.
HCS: What clubs, sports or activities did you participate in at HCHS?
Tran: I played basketball and softball during high school.
HCS: What 2-3 things about Horizon Christian made it a great school experience for you?Tran: I was blessed that when I was a senior, my sister was a freshman. I loved being able to share high school experiences with her, including playing basketball. I played sports at WHS and HCS, and particularly enjoyed the sports program at HCS. HCS also prepared me for college and was a safe place to grow my love for the Lord.
HCS: Were there specific teachers, staff or coaches who had a positive impact on your life? If so, please share about them and the impact they made.
Tran: After I graduated, my two younger siblings were still attending Horizon Christian. I was back on campus to cheer them on during sporting events and appreciated the positive interactions I had with my previous teachers and staff. It always felt like I was coming home when I could connect with the staff as an alum.
HCS: How did Horizon Christian prepare you academically for life after high school?
Tran: Entering college, there was a significant difference in my preparedness compared to my peers outside of HCS. Not only was I more academically challenged and could go through college material well, but I had learned how to carry myself as a young professional in my interactions with professors. I also had gained a confidence and leadership that kept me close to the Lord. Having the tools to understand why I believed what I did, and the spiritual mentorship, helped me to be academically focused as I continued my education and careers.
HCS: What attracted you to want to teach at HCS and how long have you been here?
Tran: I was first attracted to HCS because of the environment. I also recognized in my previous career that my passion was in teaching. I was seeking an environment where I could do that and not filter God’s love and majesty. I’m happily in my third year teaching here, and plan to be here for years to come.
HCS: What grade levels and subjects do you teach?
Tran: I teach various classes for 9th through 12th graders including 9th grade English, Art 1 and 2, Japanese 1 and 2, and I co-teach New Testament Studies.
HCS: Where did life take you after graduation and update us on your current family situation.
Tran: After I graduated high school, I did two years at Clackamas Community College. I was able to obtain my AAOT without debt. I then transferred to Portland State University where I obtained my Bachelor of Science with a major in Arts and Letters. I also minored in Business and in English.
When I graduated from college, I googled the top fifty companies to work for in America and applied to as many as I could. Within a month of graduation, I was hired as a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, where I truly enjoyed my time traveling. When I got married, I transferred to the training department where I became a curriculum developer and trainer for flight attendants, pilots, and maintenance. During that time, I realized my passion for teaching when my daughter Charlotte was born, and I knew I wanted to make a change to be more involved in her life while she was young. I started working at the middle school, and the following year was hired at the high school.
HCS: What are some of your hobbies and what do you like to do in your free time?
Tran: I love video games, art, west coast swing dancing, and going to Disneyland. I also adore spending time with my two King Charles Cavaliers.
HCS: From a former student and now a teacher's perspective...Why should a family choose Horizon Christian School for their child?
Tran: There are many paths to complete education and many schools are doing a lot of things right; the staff is here to partner in the success of each and every student. We invest in their education, but also their leadership and spiritual development. We are deeply rooted in our belief that at Horizon, “Everyone is somebody, and Jesus is all.” We help your child find joy and success in what makes them unique. We infuse encouragement into every aspect we can to share God’s love.
We are thankful for the dynamic educational environment our teachers and staff provide at Horizon Christian School. We are humbled and grateful for the ways Caitlin brings out the creativity in our students within the art program as well as expanding our second language offerings with the addition of Japanese. We are thankful for the positive impact she makes in the lives of our students and look forward to seeing the ways she will continue to enrich our school.
