Someone Special

Everyone needs an energetic, joyous and fun-loving person in their life, and for one of our Great Life Mentoring kids, that person is Greta Cairns.

Greta has an MA in Education—a solid foundation for understanding the emotional challenges many kids face. She also has what she fondly refers to as “four head-strong children,” whom she raised while relocating every two to three years due to her husband’s military service.

With both stateside and overseas teaching experience, Greta says she has learned to understand and appreciate the unique needs of individuals. She knows the difficulties of change and has an ability to find the best in situations.

As a mom of four and grandmother of six, Greta loves to be around children at all stages of life. She wanted to be connected outside of her family, as well. Greta thought, “If I can find a way to incorporate my love of animals, the outdoors and my experiences in starting over and building new friendships (like she did moving over 20 times in 27 years), then I am happy.” So, she found Great Life Mentoring—the opportunity to use her skills and interests in service to others.

Greta has a horse named Maple, who she boards at a farm in Wilsonville. She also has a Golden Retriever named MacGreggor Cooper. She loves spending time with them and enjoys nature in every capacity.

As an early riser, Greta starts her days with coffee, walking the dog and working out—her first priorities. Then, she spends time reading and journaling. She is happy to be retired from education, administration and most recently, as a fitness instructor. This gives her more time for family and friends.

One of the things Greta enjoys while mentoring is showing her friend elements of farm life. She likes to teach her friend about how animal and human behavior often relate. They have fun calling turkeys,  who gobble back at them. They call pigs and goats, who all come running to be pet, and her friend gets to feed the horses, who now recognize her. Her friend nuzzles them with tenderness and has learned how to handle them effectively if they misbehave

Greta has made an amazing friendship with the young lady that she mentors. She says her friend has grown in confidence, self-reliance and self-esteem, just within their first year together. She loves to see her friend’s strength of character and maturity evolve.

Being a mentor, she says, “offers me a chance to become a friend to someone that I would have never met if it were not for this program. Additionally, the feedback and love that I receive from my friend (and her mother) warm my heart!”

Although she says she is “no one special,” we happen to know this lovely lady could previously be found as a half-time dancer at the Orange Bowl for many years. But what is much more than moments of fame, is how she lives her daily life. Greta is passionate about living life to the fullest and being true to herself in the process. She loves sharing and serving others. She has positively contributed to the lives of many. Greta Cairns is actually a very special person.

Greta’s advice for a great life is this: “Surround yourself with positive influences as best as you can. Choose kindness whenever possible, and use your gifts and talents in service to others. The rewards are greater than the work.”