Faith Engroos Cruz is passionate about language and learning. After graduating from Furman University, she was awarded a coveted Fulbright Teacher’s Fellowship, which afforded her the opportunity to spend a year living and teaching in Austria. She has taught for over 30 years and currently homeschools two children as well (with two others already graduated). In her free time, Faith enjoys swimming, reading, and spending time with friends.
HSLDA Online Academy: What’s a typical Saturday night like for you?
Faith Cruz: Bubble bath and a good book (unless I’m grading papers, which is too often the case).
HSLDA Online Academy: What are your must-have smartphone apps?
Faith Cruz: Libby, to check out library books, and Goodreads to keep track of my books. I read 176 books in 2024, and I’m on track to do it again this year. And Fantasy Hike, a really fun pedometer that shows me how many miles I have left to throw a ring into a mountain of fire. I’m a Hobbit at heart.
HSLDA Online Academy: What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe?
Faith Cruz: Scones, pound cake, cinnamon rolls, and banana bread. I’m a better baker than I am a cook. And yes, I will share recipes with anyone who asks.
HSLDA Online Academy: If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?
Faith Cruz: I would travel. I have a long list, but Finland (to sleep in a glass igloo and see the Northern Lights) and Alaska (whales, glaciers, sled dogs) are at the top. I would also like to go back to Germany and Austria for short-term missions.
HSLDA Online Academy: If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Faith Cruz: Look up from your phone and invest in the people around you. Spend time in Scripture every day. Read a book!
Thanks for participating, Faith! If you’re like to learn more about our language courses, click here.
