Lenna (Klein ’19) Wilson

Biography

Through Jesus Christ who saved my life, I am a compassionate, hard-working individual who seeks opportunities to love and serve those who are broken in the communities I am placed. After graduating from Taylor, I served as a corps member at Teach for America Indianapolis for 2 years and have been teaching 2nd grade for 3 years at KIPP Indy Unite Elementary in the city. Before my second year of teaching, I married Luke Wilson (a 2020 graduate from TU) and am thankful for a man who passionately serves Christ alongside me. Throughout the last couple of years, God has ignited a passion for broken kids in my heart. I believe that every child has insurmountable value in the eyes of their Savior and I am eager to continue to use my gifts to love children like Jesus in my personal and professional future.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Some of my most valuable experiences at Taylor included: the Greece & Italy J-Term trip I took my sophomore year, the Malawi & Zambia J-Term trip I took my senior year, coaching gymnastics at Mid-America Gymnastics in Marion for 3 years, and competing as a scholarship track and field athlete (where I also met my husband).

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

My classes at Taylor and interactions with professors impacted my growth not only as a leader and professional, but as a leader and professional who glorifies Christ through all of my interactions and work in the world. I am thankful for the ways professors and classes at Taylor encouraged me to love, serve, and seek Christ first in whatever opportunities present themselves to me in my future.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

As a teacher, especially in a difficult school, having hope and faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely essential. I think that Taylor provides a unique education primarily because it encourages its students to see the world first through the lens of God’s Word. As a teacher in a broken world and hurting community, I see and recognize the cosmic impact that sin has on creation in tangible ways: a broken family/home, a child’s trauma, a child’s anger, a child’s lack of self-worth, and a myriad of other examples. However, through my hope in Jesus Christ, I pray that every day, as I step foot into my school to teach and love my students, I can be a reflection of Christ’s love and light to my kids who are crying out for something more. A Taylor education helps equip professionals to shine brightly for the glory of God.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Embrace the opportunities you have at Taylor to go into the world (like J-Term trips and study abroad opportunities) AND the surrounding community. The world is broken right next to us. Be the hands of feet in Jesus in whatever community you are placed. There are hurting people everywhere (yes, even in Upland, Marion, and Hartford City) who are crying out for hope.