Former LPS student returns as teacher

Posted By: Rachael Miner

rminer@klkntv.com

While kids are enjoying their last few days of summer vacation, one Lincoln Public Schools teacher is more than ready for the school year to start.

"Oh my, at first I was like am I dreaming? It’s been something I’ve wanted for a very, very long time," said teacher Olga Mwenentanda. 

Mwenentanda moved to Nebraska with her family from Africa at just eleven years old.

She started attending park middle school, but knew very little English. Teachers spent extra time working with her to improve her language skills.

It’s those dedicated teachers who inspired her to follow in their footsteps.

"Just because I had them and they’re willing to work with me and giving me that extra time I am here and I am a product of that," said Mwenentanda. 

Now Mwenentanda is getting ready to start her first year as a second grade teacher at Belmont Elementary in Lincoln.

Despite the nerves and first day jitters, Mwenentanda says she’s more than ready to meet her students, "I just want them to know they are gonna be loved and cared for and to know that they’re here for a great experience and we’re going to make school fun and a great learning time for them to flourish and just become the best they can be."

Now that she’s achieved her dream of becoming a teacher, Mwenentanda hopes to be a role model for her students, just like her teachers were.

"They do have the best. Because of the teachers I had, here I am today."