Andalusia Elementary School’s new first grade teacher Ashlynn Kilcrease may be a native of Daphne, Ala., but she’s no stranger to her new school. Kilcrease completed her internship there last spring.

Still, she said that she is a bit nervous about starting school this week. Andalusia teachers return for inservice on Wednesday; students’ first day will be Monday, Aug. 6.

Kilcrease, a Troy University alumna, is fresh out of college and always knew that she wanted to work with children.

“I have always wanted to work with kids,” Kilcrease said. “I just didn’t know what direction I wanted to go in. I knew that I had a passion for coaching because I played softball in high school, so I thought about maybe teaching and coaching would be a good fit for me. So one day I thought about it and I changed my major my sophomore year of college to elementary education.”

Kilcrease said that she has never looked back after making the decision to become a teacher and is proud to be a graduate of Troy University.

“I think they really prepared me to be a good teacher,” Kilcrease said. “But there are also some things that college can’t prepare you for. I’ve learned that there are just a few things that you can’t prepare for when you’re a teacher, that you just have to use your wisdom.”

Kilcrease said that the number one thing that she is looking forward to is getting to know her students.

“There are so many things that I am looking forward to during my first year of teaching,” Kilcrease said. “But getting to know my students and making those connections is number one.”

Despite all of the wonders of teaching, Kilcrease said that her biggest challenge will be all the things not associated with the students.

“I think my biggest challenge, being a first year teacher, will be all of the things that I haven’t had to do yet,” Kilcrease said. “Like managing paperwork, going to meetings and balancing everything to have a successful year.”

Kilcrease said that her goal for this year will be to help her students excel in all areas of life.

“I want them to excel in every area,” Kilcrease said. “I want them to grow academically and in their personal lives. I want them to be great leaders, but most importantly to watch them grow and continue their education.”

Outside of school, Kilcrease enjoys tennis, reading and hanging around family. She has been married for eight months to Clark Kilcrease who is a lineman for the Covington County Electric Coop.