As a child growing up in Maine, our middle school humanities teacher Carianna Farfan had many possible career goals in mind: she would one day become a farmer, a doctor, a writer— or maybe even a teacher.
By the time she started college, Ms. Farfan knew which path she wanted to pursue. She graduated from Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts with a double major in elementary education and psychology. While there wasn’t a single moment of inspiration she can pinpoint, it became clear early on that she wanted to teach others, which she has now been doing for 26 years.
“I don’t know if there was ever a definitive moment; perhaps it was more like a million little moments that just providentially brought me to my calling,” Ms. Farfan said.
The simpler aspects of life, such as the soothing waves of the ocean and warm sand on the beach, are what Ms. Farfan loves the most. She also enjoys going on nature walks with her family, but she sometimes prefers to take a canoe. Of all her travels, the most memorable was canoeing through Scandinavia, a place she considers to be absolutely beautiful. Someday, she would also like to visit Italy.
When Ms. Farfan has time to herself, she enjoys reading a good book with a hot cup of tea. Her favorite book is the Book of Psalms, with “The Secret Garden” as a very close second. If she was only able to eat one food for the rest of her life, she would go with another healthy option— salad. Not only would eating salad lead to a longer life; it can also be prepared in so many ways that she would never get bored of eating it.
Teaching is Ms. Farfan’s passion, which shines through in her teaching philosophy. Within the last 10 years or so, she has worked to refine her process to create the best possible learning environment. Her classes consist of discussions where every student can share experiences and conversations. This allows for deeper and more meaningful learning. Outside of the classroom, she knows that these students often do not have enough opportunities to express themselves. At North Tampa Christian Academy, she finds it empowering to watch everyone work together to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, especially in this strange and isolated time.
While watching students express themselves intellectually inspires Ms. Farfan, what she finds most rewarding about her position is having the opportunity to pray with her students. During those moments when their heads are bowed and it’s just God, the teacher, and the students, she finds there is a great deal of power in the classroom. At the end of the day, she hopes her students feel empowered to make a difference in the world.
“Each student has a story to tell, experiences to relate, and lessons to teach that are valuable and that others need to hear. I hope, with God’s help, they have the courage to share!”
Get to know Carianna Farfan
What is your favorite movie?
The Sound of Music
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Do you have any pets?
I have 2 dogs, a jack russell named Scottie and a papidoodle named Luna.
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would you choose?
Eleanor Roosevelt; Mary, the mother of Jesus; and David
If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do?
I’d cry and pray for wisdom.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.