Sara Strom is many things: an entrepreneur, a photographer, a coach. And as of Feb. 1, 2018, she is the newest addition to the PHS faculty.
Before teaching Photo I at PHS, Strom photographed events and took senior portraits in her self-started photography business, Sara Strom Photography.
“When I started my business I jumped in with both feet. My first couple of paid jobs were from acquaintances… then I became a part of a few bridal fairs where I hosted a booth enabling me to show my work and meet potential brides and grooms. I stayed up late many nights a week studying the best business practices and researching vendors. If I was going to start my company… I wanted to do it right. I put 100 percent effort in to the development of my company, just like I do with everything in my life,” Strom said.
Through her Oregon-based company, Strom was able to work with businesses around the U.S. and even Italy but she eventually decided to leave Oregon and return to her hometown, Puyallup.
Before joining the PHS staff full-time, Strom substitute taught and coached at Kalles Junior High.
“Sports [are] also a huge love of mine. When I started coaching here in Puyallup, I had this incredible feeling come over me that I could be helping students even more in the classroom. I have always had a passion for helping young people learn to work hard and to work smart. I looked in to the routes of earning my teaching certificate and am very happy with the outcome,” Strom said.
Strom combined her professional experience in the photography world with her passion for helping students grow to become a photography teacher.
“I am thrilled to be at PHS teaching Digital Photo I. It gives me a chance to help students think out of the box, learn to challenge themselves and to take the time to create a deeper understanding of many topics,” Strom said.
Strom cites her ability to empathize and understand students as her most valuable strength in the classroom.
“I think I read people very well. Once I get to know somebody, I think it is easy for me to tell if they are having a good day or a bad day and to discern what kind of help they need from me,” Strom said.
According to Strom, the most exciting part of her new job is the ability to impact students’ lives positively.
“ I hope to inspire students to know they have the potential to create the life they want to live. It takes determination, self-discipline and a willingness to work for greatness. I hope kids take the time to investigate various opportunities. You never know what you are capable of until you try… Then try again and again, because it does not always happen on the first try,” Strom said.
Interested in seeing more of Strom’s photography? Check out the link below.
http://sarastrom.com
