Broken but not defeated
Even though English teacher Mrs. Mierau broke her tibia during the month of November in an ATV accident, she continues working with a smile. Mierau also gave birth to a baby girl in July but she continues on despite her new obstacles.
January 18, 2013
As she raises her first-born daughter and teaches English, Courtney Mierau continues to march on through the difficulties of balancing her personal and professional responsibilities while struggling in a wheelchair due to a broken tibia. The injured teacher carefully balances both tasks, and despite the daily troubles, she is able to overcome the obstacles placed in her path.
The English instructor took a trip down to the desert in early October, unaware that her vacation included the unexpected accident that would cause several months of pain and frustration.
“I was riding an ATV on the trails in the desert,” Mierau said. “I went over a berm and popped off the bike. When I landed, I shattered the bone in my leg.”
The first-time mother suffered through the injury while her 10-week-old-child, caused some complications in her home life.
“The most frustrating part of being stuck in this chair is that I can’t really carry her, so as soon as I get out of this chair, that’s what I’ll look most forward to,” Mierau said. “I am grateful that she is not crawling or walking yet which would make the situation even more difficult.”
Despite the bumps along the way to recovery, Mierau continues to teach her English classes day by day and is revered by fellow students.
Junior Veronica Cornejo, a former student of Mierau, shared her reaction regarding the injured teacher’s condition.
“I had Mrs. Mierau back in freshman year when she had just gotten married,” Cornejo said. “It must be difficult coping with her situation, having to be in a wheel chair and being a new mother, but she still comes to school to teach. I think it’s really admirable.”
The instructor attends her class to teach despite her broken leg but still faces difficulties in her wheelchair, sometimes with simple everyday things.
Aside from adversities from home caused by her injury, the teacher also comes by trouble in her own classroom and depends on her students to help her, which they never fail to do.
“My students have been very helpful,” Mierau said. “They pass out and collect papers, volunteers will write notes on the board during discussions, turn on the projector and pull the screen down for me on a daily basis. It seems that I always have a student offering me help. It has created a sense of community in most of my classes, which is really nice to see.”
Mizhelle Cortes, 11, commented on the educator’s injury and the mindset she maintains through the months of struggle she has faced.
“I always try to open the door for her to try to help,” Cortes said. “When I see her, she is always smiling and in a good mood.”
The educator receives help and support from all who surround her, and Mierau is thankful for all they manage to do for her.
“The amount of help I have received from family, friends, students, and co-workers is heart-warming,” Mierau said. “I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many people willing to give extra time and effort to help me out until I am on my feet again.”
Mierau, although tested with pain and nuisances, has not let it overshadow her work as a teacher and mother, striving to be great in both aspects of her life.
The editor had never seen her future predicted this way; moving from Peru at the age of three limited her English, proving difficult for her to adjust to the new language. “During elementary, I was bad at English, but its something I later improved in,” Sanchez said. She not only improved in a foreign language, but she also grew to like the challenge she accustomed to. After overcoming this difficulty proved to be a great strength in Sanchez, using it to her advantage when confronted by deadlines as well as schoolwork.
But beyond the classroom is where she enjoys her teen years with friends, listening to music, and enjoying the foods and movies other countries have to offer. “I love Italian food,” the cuisine enthusiast said. “I also like to watch movies in my spare time, especially foreign films.” With having The Downey Legend set as a foundation for her future, Sanchez’ main incentive is to travel the world and live on her own. Although unsure of what college to pursue her journalism career, she knows a UC will suit her in her plan to write for Time Magazine.
Martinez is secretary for KIWIN’S club, and she absolutely loves it. She considers members of her club to be her second family. One of her personal goals as of right now is to get straight A s, while a goal for The Downey Legend is to simply become closer with everyone; she wants the newspaper staff to get as close and comfortable KIWIN’S club. “ I want them to be like my third family,” Martinez said. After high school she would like to travel the world and go on new and exciting adventures. One of the most special moments in her life was when her little sister Isabel was born. Martinez explained that when she was younger she always wanted a little sister or brother, so when Isabel was born, she became one of the most special people in her life. Although Martinez is still undecided about what major she wants to take on, she is very interested in medicine and loves children. With her incredible personality and hard work, she is sure to make any of her goals come through.
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