Your Turn/Tricia Anderson Hinton
Published 5:56 am Thursday, May 7, 2026
When I was a kid, I wanted to be … I have never wanted to be anything but a teacher (with the exception of a short obsession in the sixth grade to become an astronaut) because I love everything about the art of teaching.
What would you rather be doing right now? This is not hyperbole — I love coming to my classroom every day. But at any given time, I would ditch what I am doing to hike around in the mountains, state parks or even on our property.
Shhhhhh! Don’t tell anyone that … I keep a daily journal — part prayer journal, part record of life. I’ve filled dozens of them over the decades with prayers, thoughts, anecdotes, recipes, letters and opinions. I write every day, sometimes twice a day. Maybe one day my grandchildren will find them interesting.
Other than your wedding day and/or the birth of your children, what was your proudest moment? In 2023, I was named Northeast Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. It was such an honor to represent my district, my colleagues and the teachers from our region in this capacity.
It really stinks when … people are mean. Be kind, be patient, practice empathy, be forgiving, live in service to each other.
What word in the dictionary would your face be next to? Measured — calm, thoughtful, serious, optimistic.
I always laugh … at silly, spur-of-the-moment comedy, and more often than I’d like to admit, I feel like I’m in my own episode of “I Love Lucy.”
Invite any three people, living or dead, to dinner. Who are they? I spend my days teaching history, but the people I’d most want to sit down with are the ones who are part of my own story. There’s still so much I’d want to ask them — and just as much I’d want to thank them for.
My mom, Jeral Lynn Anderson, died almost three years ago from an aggressive cancer.She was a great human, full of humor and quick wit, loved Jesus unashamedly, was a great cook and decorator and a lifelong nurse, and I miss her every day.
My grandmother, Shirley Bridges. She taught me to whistle and roller skate, to hula hoop and sew on a button, how to fry an egg just right and to roll the perfect pie crust. You know, the really important things in childhood. She taught me to love people despite their flaws,the importance of quiet prayer time and the value of family.
Any one of my grandfathers. All giants in my eyes. Men of quiet faith, hard workers, diligent, fun and funny. They loved without obligation.
At the end of a really long day at work, I like to … apparently, sit on bleachers. Someday I will have a great answer to this question! Today, at the end of long work days, there are, well, more long days. Track meets, basketball and football games, softball games, concerts, chores, endless laundry and grocery lists, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
People who knew me in high school thought I was … a little bit stuck-up, but the truth was, I was just painfully shy.
My most unforgettable brush with greatness was … I’ve never met anyone famous, but I’m surrounded by possibility every day. As a teacher, I never know which student might become a famous artist, writer, surgeon or athlete — that’s a pretty meaningful “what if” for me.
I would drop all my plans tonight if I had the chance to … go on vacation, literally anywhere. The lake, the beach, the mountains, just the chance to unwind and spend unscheduled time with my family.
If someone gave me a million dollars, there is STILL no way I would … That’s a pretty short list — there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for a million dollars. I teach middle school, so not much scares me anymore, and I am a sucker for a good dare, but anything that goes against my values is off the table.
America should be more concerned about … rebuilding a sense of common ground. Polarization has replaced conversation, and we need to remember that we’re Americans first — not political parties. The example we set matters, especially for the next generation.
I’m OK if there’s ever a national shortage of … dish sets and tablecloths. A well-dressed table is definitely a weakness.
When I’m on the Internet, I always go to … Spotify to catch up on my podcasts.
What is the most useful piece of advice you have ever received? My dad is full of one-liners that are solid pieces of advice — Little things add up. Bad things can turn into good things. The hardest part of anything is getting started.
When I’m cruising down the road, I’m likely listening to … That is really difficult to say. An audiobook most likely, but it also could be classic country, ‘90s rock, top Christian, a podcast or last Sunday’s sermon. It just depends on the day.
I always get sentimental when … Without fail, I cry at parades when the marching bands go by and at anything patriotic.
If I had one “do-over,” I would … have played sports in high school, at least tried one or two. I was six feet tall by the end of eighth grade, and needless to say, my coordination did not grow as fast as my legs did!
My favorite item of clothing is … an old pair of tennis shoes that I can’t seem to get rid of. I ran my first 5K in these shoes, hiked 14ers in these shoes, hiked all over the Rockies and Southern Missouri in these shoes. There are a lot of miles and memories in those soles, and despite the fact that they are hanging on by threads, I just can’t part with them.
If I’ve learned anything at all … it’s that life rarely goes exactly as planned, don’t take things too seriously, avoid strife, trust God, rely on the ones you love and try to enjoy the journey.
Tricia Anderson Hinton, 49, is a junior high social studies teacher in the Lewis County C-1 School District. Born and raised in Hannibal, she is completing her 26th year of teaching. Hinton is the mother of four, wife to Nathan, an avid reader and an outdoor enthusiast who lives outside of Monticello on a multigenerational family farm.
