Keyanna Kimbrough teaches her fifth-grade students math, science, reading and history, but she can also teach them a little about perseverance.

Kimbrough is currently in her first year of teaching at Meadowview Elementary School, and although it all seems meant to be now, it took a lot of hard work and hard times to get her where she is.

“It was a hard journey with state tests … but I didn’t give up because I knew this is what I was supposed to do,” an emotional Kimbrough said. “I’m very thankful and grateful … I don’t take not one day for granted.”

Kimbrough said she used to play teacher with her cousins while she was growing up.

“We would come and I would say ‘I’m Miss Kimbrough,’ and my cousins would say their names and we would pretend it’s the first day of school. We would do some fun games and then read a book and we would talk about what we read, just like it was the real deal school,” Kimbrough said.

“Sometimes I still can’t believe [I’m actually teaching].”

Kimbrough said teaching has been a lifelong passion, and something that she has worked her whole life to do.

After graduating from Keith High School, Kimbrough went on to get her degree from Concordia College Alabama. Now, she finds herself in front of a classroom full of students.

“It’s very exciting. I love it. When I get off, I can’t wait to come back to work. It’s my happy place,” Kimbrough said.

“I love children. I have a soft spot for children.”

Kimbrough said knowing that she makes a difference, is worth all of the struggles that she went through to get there.

“I had a student to tell me that this was his first time making A/B honor roll,” she said.

Kimbrough said the student told her the reason that he finally made it onto the honor roll was because she pushed him to do his work and helped him along the way.

“That’s rewarding for me because I know I’m doing my job,” Kimbrough said.