Personal Narrative: Tim Sammons

What makes a man? His character? His success? I have often wondered who I would be without a certain teacher, a man who has helped shape me into the person I am and strive to be.

Mr. Tim Sammons has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember; he has taught me since I was in sixth grade. He has always been there for me and my family, as a friend, and advisor, and, above all- a man in Christ.

Although I was born in the church, our faith didn’t seem a priority for my family at first. When I was very young, about five or six, my parents filed for divorce, and my mother received custody of my siblings and I. I knew of Jesus back then, but going to church was rare, if ever.

Seven years later, after we had been in our father's custody for about as long, I entered Mr. Sammons’ sixth-grade confirmation class. Little

When he was in college, however, he hit a barricade with his parents, especially his father, who did not understand why he wanted to go to college. In spite of this, he worked hard, paid his own way, and proceeded to get a two-year degree as a first-generation college student. He knew he wasn’t finished, so he continued his education, eventually becoming a police officer. In college and throughout his career, he was inspired to work hard and be a leader, because of enthusiasm for a challenge and the fact that he did not want to fail in the presence of his peers.

While he was a police officer, he was raising a family with his wife, Bonnie. While he did work many late Saturday nights, they both agreed their children must to go to church to build a strong foundation for their beliefs. While he did miss a great deal of family time, he knew he was providing for them, serving God through his works as well. He brought both of his children up to love and respect God, teaching them through His works and the