Written by Kaleo Li as appeared in The Daily Herald, B10, 3/25/09
Overcoming an obstacle is almost always a formidable task, but living through constant pain and discomfort may be even more laudable than that.
Such is the life of Timpanogos High school teacher Jillian Phippen, who juggles major health concerns, responsibilities at home, and duties as an advisor and faculty member on a daily basis.
She suffers from kidney stones, a painful urological disorder, and has had “more than [she] could count,” passing a few of these stones each week. She also experienced kidney and liver failure during her last pregnancy and has to regularly accommodate her life with her case of diabetes.
“She’s had several health concerns, mainly in association with being a diabetic,” says Kori Crampton, a fellow Timpanogos educator.
While having to deal with all these tribulations, Phippen still heads up a journalism staff, teaches 2 ESL classes, keeps herds of rowdy sophomore English students under control, raises four young children, and actively participates in her local Boy Scouts of America program.
One of the most admirable qualities that Phippen posseses is her ability to stay sanguine through all the stresses of her life.
“She’s in a lot of pain, but she’s smiling all the time,” says Cecile Thomas, who teaches Photography at Timpanogos High.
“Mrs. Phippen's unique sense of humor still finds a way to bubble through to keep her and everyone around her smiling. After being filled with radioactive dye for a procedure, she dressed as ‘Radioactive Woman’ for Halloween. You can't get any more optimistic than that," says Sairah Gold, one of her students.
By looking at her Twitter profile, anyone can see the humor and optimism that she infuses into people’s lives. When she had to go in for neurological testing and to obtain an echocardiogram, her status update reflected her positive thoughts: “I get to have more tests. I’ll study hard and not flunk!”
Despite the enormous amount of energy required by all the responsibilities Phippen has, she never gives less than all she can to those who require it, whether it is her children, students, or family members.
“What I like about Mrs. Phippen is that she’s open, . . . and that makes her a good friend. I know I can always count on her to listen to my troubles and to give me advice,” says Irasema Del Castillo, a student at Timpanogos High.
Her Twitter update that portrays herself most accurately says, “[I’m] finally on my way to work! I may not feel well, but hi-ho!”
As an educator, Jillian Phippen teaches more than vocabulary and grammar; she teaches us all how to endure the most difficult circumstances.
