She is a Lake Charles native who was schooled in the Calcasieu Parish school system, graduating from Barbe High School. As a student, she had to work a bit harder than her peers.

“Things didn’t come easy for me and I had difficulty sitting for long periods of time,” she recalled. “Math didn’t always ‘click’ and reading was slow, and I remember feeling lost in lessons that would go right over my head.”

These struggles made her the teacher she is today, an educator who leads with empathy to help every student see their potential.

“They taught me the importance of finding ways to keep my students engaged in content and understand the different learning needs of each and every one of my students,” she said. “I understand how important it is to meet each individual student where they are and to create an environment where they feel supported and able to be their best.”

She attended McNeese State University to earn a Master’s in early childhood education. She’s now taught for 13 years. Her first five years were spent at St. John Elementary, and the rest of her career has been at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School.

In a moment of “first time’s a charm,” Link fell in love with the first grade level that was offered to her – third grade.

“Third-graders are at a point where they are independent but they are still excited to learn!” she explained. “They are funny, they are sweet and they are eager to please! Third grade has my heart!”

In fact, the students are the best part of the gig.

“Their hugs, their laughter, and getting the front row seat to watch my students learn and grow brings me so much joy. When I see a struggling student’s light bulb go off or when something ‘clicks’ – I feel like I’ve won the lottery.”

Her classroom revolves around three things: love, teamwork and problem-solving.

“I want my students to stay positive and focus on building each other up. Teamwork is huge for me, my students sit in teams and often work together as a team. I encourage students to work together, share ideas, and help each other out.”

The relationships she builds with her students have a foundation of love and support with “solid expectations” of success.

“I want them to feel cared for and encouraged, but I also want them to understand the importance of making good choices and doing their best,” she said. “I try really hard to create an environment where my students feel comfortable and motivated to be their best.”

Link has two words of advice for her peers: smile and collaboration.

“Even when working through a behavior issue with a student, just smile. It really makes a world of difference,” she said. “When a student is sad or upset sometimes I just smile at them and guess what, they eventually smile back.”

She said that collaboration with fellow teachers is vital to ensure students’ education is effective.

“I have two of the best co-workers anyone could ask for, so it’s easy for me to say … Working together and being open and understanding only leads to new insights which can only make you a better teacher. Teaching is a journey of continuous growth.”