By Wesley Bauer | Opinion Editor

Sometimes, what one plans to do with his or her life is completely different than what fate has in store. New health teacher Angie Kemp is living proof of this principle. Kemp originally wanted to pursue a career in music but later decided that she wanted to help people with physical fitness.

“I got into what I do today because I want to help kids feel comfortable with P.E.,” Kemp said.

Born in Sonoma County, Kemp spent her middle school years in Coquille. She later moved to North Bend when her father found the drive from Coquille to Hauser, where he worked, to be too difficult. She graduated from North Bend High School.

This constant relocation was difficult for Kemp, who moved four times in a span of two years. However, she still took opportunities to be involved in school culture, participating in athletics and playing music, two of her favorite hobbies. When high school came around, Kemp decided to concentrate more on her music rather than sports.

“I was very active all the time up until high school,” Kemp said. “Because of the transition, I didn’t play any sports my freshman year. I focused more on music.”

Her work on her music skills paid off when Kemp received a scholarship for Southwestern Oregon Community College. She originally planned on teaching music as a career but found herself too preoccupied with her new marriage and current occupation to focus on her education.

“I got married at 20 and decided to stay in Coos Bay, and it halted education for the time being,” Kemp said.

For the nine years prior to working at MHS, Kemp instructed fitness classes at the Bay Area Athletic Club. It was not until a position for a health and P.E. assistant opened that she started working at MHS. She had not anticipated working in a high school setting after graduating from high school herself, but took the job nonetheless.

“It’s pretty nerve-racking getting back into it,” Kemp said.

Becoming well acquainted with her fellow P.E. teachers, she found herself interested in a full-time teaching position. Kemp worked for six years and was finally convinced by her colleagues to concentrate on achieving a full-time job.

“After I started working here in 2006, I was encouraged by Mr. George and Mrs. Lecrenski to apply for a full time job,” Kemp said.

Kemp was informed at the beginning of the semester that she was selected to fill the position left open by former health teacher Cindy Olvera. Though this did not give Kemp much time to prepare, she finds the job exciting and is anxious to see how the semester will progress.

“I have a lot of nervous energy about it,” Kemp said.

Senior Sergio Marroquin believes Kemp is an asset to Marshfield as a health teacher, since she has the necessary skills and knowledge concerning health and “family advice.” Marroquin also appreciates Kemp’s enthusiasm.

“She knows what she’s doing, and she’s really energetic,” Marroquin said.

Kemp’s position as the health teacher is temporary. Her contract expires at the end of this year, but she would like to return next year. She enjoys teaching and is glad to recognize some of the students from her other classes.

“I’d like to come back,” Kemp said. “I really feel like I’m part of Marshfield High School.”