I am Sara Prom, and I have to say that I am deeply honored and extremely humbled to have been nominated to be a Face of Big Lake. There are so many individuals in this community who deserve this recognition much more than I. I am but one of many, who care deeply for the children and families of Big Lake. I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Liberty Elementary School for the past 19 years. It is such a gratifying experience to observe the speech transformations that children go through when learning how to communicate. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that I was able to be a part of these children’s and their families’ life journeys. I thoroughly enjoy making connections, and working with this age population provides me that opportunity. It is a blessing to not only have my ‘home’ family, but to also have my ‘speech’ family. I am extremely fortunate to have my husband, Ryan, and our children, Alex -22 and Isaiah -17 understand and support my devotion to my ‘speech’ family. They understand that relationships and connections are the basis for all interactions and have attended several events/activities of my students throughout the years. They have supported me by accompanying me to little league games, dance recitals, soccer matches, garage sales, fundraisers, etc. of my speech students/families. The two words that I center my life around are: Family and Opportunities. Big Lake is small enough to allow me the opportunities to become involved with students’ lives/families on a personal level, and yet it’s big enough to provide students with several opportunities to participate in clubs, sports, arts, and community activities. I feel very fortunate to have been able to raise my kids in a rural environment -driving by pastures/farms/fields/forests and seeing wildlife: deer/turkeys/eagles/turkeys, etc. on our way to school each day; with the close amenities of the city of Big Lake -schools, grocery store, restaurants, gas stations, banks, hair salons, food shelf, small businesses, large businesses, etc..
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I enjoy being a patron of several of our local restaurants. Note: I am not a fan of meal-planning. Hahahaha!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My husband has worked here for 22 years, while I have worked here for 19. We moved to Big Lake in 2006.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
While I have had the privilege of meeting so many interesting people in Big Lake, I would have to say that Mr. John Bruns is one of the most caring, kind, interesting, wonderful people with whom I’ve had the pleasure of interacting.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
Currently, we have three dogs: Lola -age 4 is a 15 pound Cheagle; Bentley -age 3 is a 12 pound Poochon, and Denahi -which means ‘Great One’ in Inuit- is our 95 pound St. Berdoodle. They definitely keep us entertained!
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
If I could give any advice, it would be to always take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves and to make sure that your family members know you love them through your actions, words, deeds..
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to write a book; portray the Reverend Mother in The Sound of Music -“Climb Every Mountain” – gives me goosebumps every time-; and live on a lake.
Q: What is your favorite current or former business in our community?
I am so thankful for many Big Lake businesses: ISD #727, Coborns, Groom my Friend -Denahi is not easy to groom and Holly has never given up on him, Lake Cafe, etc.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I would have to say that my favorite thing in this community is the amount of care, effort, energy, and time with which the staff at Liberty Elementary School puts forth for the children of Big Lake. I’m in awe everyday!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m hoping to still be given the opportunity to impact children. “Alleviating a communication disorder is an incredibly beautiful and tender thing to do. There are not many more important gifts that one can give to another.” – David Lutterman. I enjoy this aspect of my life very much.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love a good, outdoor farm auction complete with food truck and freshly bailed alfalfa fields, lilacs, and windmill.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My two sons and my students. I am always trying to find new and effective ways of showing Alex, Isaiah, and my students what it means to care for, and be cared for by others, through words and actions. I truly want them to learn how to effectively communicate with others.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of Big Lake?
Family. Opportunities. Possibilities.
