When receiving a diagnosis of a brain tumor, it is only natural to experience a range of emotions. The individual not only ponders over the side effects of the treatment but also faces the emotional roller coaster of a range of moods, from stress to anxiety and depression. However, there are ways to lessen the confounding effects of the life-changing diagnosis. Using various coping skills, one can set small goals, acquire the strength to affirm a positive outlook and rely on resilience for serenity and composure.
After suffering from severe headaches for weeks and feeling dizzy, Kathi Haschke sought medical consultation.
On April 16, 2024, Kathi Haschke received the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumor. Like anyone receiving a similar diagnosis, Kathi’s mind first wandered to the treatment and associated physical and emotional challenges. But not for very long. She said, “I thought about my students. I wanted them to know how much I care for them. I wanted to attend their kindergarten graduation in May. And I did.”
Kathi is a beloved teacher at Self Development Academy (SDA) and has taught there for nearly 14 years.
Kathi’s return to SDA in mid-May to finish the year helped her feel accomplished. She stated, “My job in the classroom (for the year) has been completed.” This positive feeling of accomplishment made her summer much more manageable as she traveled with her husband, Dr. Randy Haschke, soaking in the beauty of the picturesque places in Wyoming and Montana. Setting achievable goals promotes resilience and brings tranquility to an individual facing a shattering diagnosis.
Besides setting reasonable goals, another strategy for coping with serious illness is connecting with others and deepening relationships. In the fall, Kathi returned to teaching at SDA. “My students can’t imagine what they do for my soul,” she stated. She added, “As a teacher, my students are a big part of my recovery.”
Kathi did not plan on becoming a classroom teacher as a young person. It wasn’t until she saw one of her older sisters teach a second-grade class that she “fell in love with teaching.” Kathi taught in schools in Florida and Arizona. Observing Kathi teach a kindergarten class, one of her former principals suggested, “Kindergarten is the perfect spot.”
Kathi started teaching kindergarten at SDA in 2011. She takes her profession very seriously and wants to be a role model for her children. She wants to model for students her love of learning. She focuses on “how her students can feel good about themselves.”
Kathi adds, “I want teachers to think when they were little, how did they want to live their lives?” She does expect students to respect rules. She adds, “Everything I do, I do with love,” which inspires her students to develop a love for reading and learning. She makes learning fun.
Kathi espouses the philosophy that “A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.” A parent of her former student shared that Kathi inspired her daughter to want to be an author. Another parent expressing her appreciation to Kathi for fostering a love of reading sends the following message:
“You may not remember me, but my daughter Payson was in your class roughly eight years ago, and I wanted to thank you for being her favorite teacher of all time and for creating a love of reading for her. She is currently in 7th grade and reads tons of books. … She started reading in kindergarten and has not stopped! … We appreciate everything you did because neither my husband nor I are huge readers, but she always reads. Thank you; you brightened her world.”
When meeting this phenomenal human being named Kathi, one would not know about the personal challenges she is enduring. She believes in moving on. Despite her diagnosis, she sports her beautiful smile, views the world through positive lenses, and finds it necessary to connect deeply with her family, students, and friends. Her special moments with her son Bryton and husband Randy have become increasingly more precious. She declares, “It is all about relationships.”
It is also about resilience; a trait Kathi models well for her students and one of the four “Rs” at the core of SDA’s character development. The other three “Rs” at SDA are respect, readiness, and responsibility.
Kathi claims, “SDA is my Happy Place.” She wakes up each morning and is thankful for the day. She looks forward to going to SDA, seeing the teachers and administrators, and, more importantly, her students.
She rejoices at the thought that students are “so happy to see me.” Kathi shares that she does not focus on negativity. She is grateful for all the positive aspects of her life, a characteristic necessary to thrive in adversity. In conclusion, Kathi reflects on life: “There is a purpose in everyone’s life. I fully accept the plan. Live your life every day.”
From the depth of our hearts, we wish Kathi and her family the very best.
To learn more about Self Development Preschool, please contact (480) 396-3522.
For the accelerated K-8 program, Self Development Academy, call Self Development Academy at (480) 641-2640.