If you were looking for me, outside of my position at the Presbyterian Flower Mound Hospital, more than likely you will find me in a place I find to be my center point. That center point for me is New Beginnings Church right in the center of Lewisville. Growing up I was surrounded by a family that found comfort in not only attending church, but inserting their spiritual gifts in and outside of the church.
Today I carry the same traditions with my family. My foundation consists of strong morals and values such as being trustworthy, nonjudgmental, standing firm for what is right, and being dependable, all derived from my relationship with Jesus Christ. The head of my life is Jesus Christ, and everything I do is to honor him. I honor him through consistently loving others, having compassion for all, extending grace in all situations, and holding short accounts. I do this because every day Jesus does this for me.
During my second year of college, at 19 years of age, I found out that my first child would be arriving in September resulting in my Physical Education degree being placed on hold. At that point in time I believed all of my education and career goals would become a distant memory since I would have to focus on becoming a mother. Ten years later, four more children, a divorce and a new marriage, I began to rethink the possibility of a degree again, and that thought reignited my passion for education. I decided to not be held in bondage anymore and reignite my passion for education. In the spring of 2010 I completed my bachelors in Biblical Theology and I am a third of the way from completing my Masters at Dallas Baptist University. I have no plans of stopping at my Masters.
My education journey has fueled my passion to fight for quality education for all. My life journey has allowed me to develop into an individual who can bring people of different backgrounds together for a common cause. If elected, I plan to listen to the concerns of parents and teachers and seek out a solution. I believe that in order to see LISD at its full potential, all parties need to work together.
In 2012 a teacher stepped out of her comfort zone for my husband by donating her kidney that saved his life. My appreciation for teachers runs deep. Therefore, I vow to go to work for all in preparing all of our children for success in a competitive world. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela
Mary Smith
LISD Place 1 board candidate
Lewisville, TX