Spanish educator strives to be a life educator

Jerry Turk hopes to have a postive influence not only on his students, but everyone he meets in life

Hannah Fredrickson

Jerry Turk hopes to have a postive influence not only on his students, but everyone he meets in life

Hannah Fredrickson, Featured Guest Writer

When most people think of Jerry Turk they think of a Spanish teacher, but little do they know that Turk involves giving back into every aspect of his life.

Whether Turk is teaching a class, out in the community, or on vacation, he is always trying to better someone else’s life in any way he can. Turk said, “I believe at the end of the day it’s not about us at all. It’s about helping people have a better life and achieve their goals.”

Turk is one of the head advisors of Key Club, one of Mayfield’s premier service organizations. Turk recalled one of his most memorable experiences when he and several students were raking leaves for the community.

They knocked on the door of a resident and told the man they were going to rake his leaves. The man informed Turk and the students that he was a lieutenant in WWII. Recalling this experience Turk said,”You could tell this man was strong, very powerful in his day, and he was reduced to tears because he was so humbled.”

Regarding his experiences with Key Club Turk said, “Three times a year we go serve a meal at hospice. The best part of it all is seeing how appreciative the patients and their families are.”

Jennifer Stevenson, who co-advises Key Club with Turk, said, “Mr. Turk is awesome. He’s really enthusiastic, positive, upbeat, and will always give 120% on everything he does.”

Turk is also passionate about traveling, but makes sure that every one of his trips has a purpose. This summer Turk took a trip to northern Spain with a former student. They completed a pilgrimage where they walked 125 miles in seven days, walking about 20 miles a day.

Referencing his trip Turk said, “It was life changing. A man completed this walk with one leg and crutches. These other ladies walked from Holland and it took them 3 months. Boy we thought we were doing a great thing, but like I said there’s always someone who has it harder.”

When Turk is not traveling he is most likely in the classroom teaching. Turk is passionate about sharing his ways of life with his co-workers and students alike.

English teacher Nick Somich, a colleague and friend of Turk’s for 10 years, said, “He is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. He genuinely cares about me as a person and when he sees me he immediately asks how my family is doing.”

Besides teaching Spanish, Turk also strives day in and day out to better the lives of his students. Turk said, “I’m an educator, so I’m not just a Spanish educator, but I hope I’m a life educator.”

But Turk is aware that not everyone can participate in Key Club, or spend their vacation giving back to others. Turk said, “I think we can give back every second of the day. I think a smile gives back, or any other simple act of kindness. Anything that can make someone’s day a little better, that’s what I consider giving back.”

At the end of the day, Turk hopes to better the lives of everyone he comes in contact with. He said, “I’ve seen people catch the fire, and they realize that the best way to help themselves is to help others.”