by Jim Mulligan
About eight years ago, while finishing up a ministry training in Mozambique (yes, the Mozambique in Africa), Alana Woodin felt called to live and work in Orange Cove (yes, our Orange Cove). The fact that Orange Cove was where she felt called to work and live is really no more surprising than if she had been called to go to Reedley, Selma, or Wichita, Kansas. Once one learns a little about Woodin, when one understands her core values, and when one hears about her life experiences, it is not so surprising that Orange Cove and its youth not only called but likely screamed out to her as the next stop on her journey of faith and life.
Alana Woodin (left) and her mother, Ataloa, at a taping of Let’s Make a Deal. Alana was the big winner that episode.
Alana Woodin grew up in Fresno and attended Central High School. The San Joaquin Valley is her home base, and her parents now live in Reedley. Woodin attended Westmont University in Montecito, California, and graduated with a degree in History with a minor in Spanish. During her undergraduate years, she studied abroad in Queretaro, Mexico. She attained her secondary teaching credential also from Westmont University, and did her student teaching at an international school in Costa Rica. Her first job was as a teacher in Torreón, Mexico, which she did for three years. There she taught U.S. History and was in charge of a program called Model United Nations at the school.
Alana Woodin on a trip to South Africa in the summer of 2016.
Woodin moved back to the Central Valley hoping to land a teaching job in Orange Cove. Unfortunately, Kings Canyon Unified wasn’t hiring. She worked as a long-term substitute for a time, and by March of that year, she was offered a job. She took it. Woodin was not happy with just working as a teacher in Orange Cove, she wanted to be a part of the community. She wanted to show her students that she is all in, a full-fledged citizen of their small, rural town.
Finding a place to live in Orange Cove was not as easy as she thought it would be. Because of the programs for low income families and farm workers, Woodin didn’t quality for many of the housing options. After some time and a lot of prayer, Woodin decided to walk up to a local church and ask them if they had a home she could rent. She admits it was kind of crazy, but she also had nothing to lose. Woodin remembers, “I walked in the Presbyterian Church and spoke to the interim pastor at the time. I told him my story. I told him that in my heart I just want to love the community, and what better way to live in and love the kids of the community.” That relationship with the church eventually turned into a house sharing opportunity with the new pastor, who lived in Orange Cove only part of the week. In fact, the church offered to let Woodin live part time in the house, where she’s been since, for a minimal rent. Their only request, “Love on the community of Orange Cove.”
Alana Woodin and a group of her OCHS Avid students.
I had the chance to sit and chat with one of Ms. Woodin’s classes for a few minutes. I wanted to ask them about how their teacher impacts their time at OCHS. When Woodin’s students walked into the room at the beginning of the class, a noticeable serenity was in the air. She had some calming music playing in the background. The students entered the space with respect and reverence. Once the students settled into their seats, Woodin explained why I was there and that their regularly scheduled plans were to be put on hold for a short time. She asked to circle up and asked them to do a “quick write” in response to a couple questions I posed. They did all of this as if it was a normal day. They didn’t skip a beat, nor were they flustered. And they had no qualms about sharing what they think about Ms. Woodin. What ensued was a great conversation about the mutual respect they have for their teacher. That she pushes and inspires them to be the best they can be, all with a caring attitude.
Alana Woodin and some of her OCHS students at a home football game.
Isabel Fonseca said, “Ms. Woodin has a great mindset, is a caring person, hopeful, and courageous. She is everything I want to be.”
Armando López said, “She is one of the most amazing and unique teachers. Once you think you know everything about her she just continues to surprise us.”
Vanessa Hamilton said, “She sees the good in everyone.”
Of course, Ms. Woodin teaches the approved curriculum and students learn what the state and school district requires, and it is also readily apparent that she blends in the curriculum that is not mandated, but necessary for building caring, courageous, capable human beings. Her final quote of the interview sums up this point, “Orange Cove youth are the future leaders of the Central Valley. God doesn’t pick the high and mighty, he picks the humble and the real. These are awesome kids. They have so much heart.” Ms. Alana Woodin is right where she should be right now.
Excellent piece. I lived in Orange Cove and graduated from Reedley High school in 1954. Both cities still hold a special place in my heart. I drive through as often as possible when I visit Smith Mountain Cemetery where many of my family are buried.