WREN — Paige Allen says she’s wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl, but it wasn’t until she began working as a substitute at Wren Elementary School that her dream was “re-ignited.”

So even though she and her husband Jason have three children, Allen chose to go back to college to study to become a teacher. For the past two years, she’s worked as an assistant at Wren Middle School, and the time has gone by quickly, she says.

She’s now midway through obtaining her degree at Anderson University.

Allen said that she’s worked hard to be an example to her children — showing them that the best time to get your degree is after college. She had originally hoped to attend Clemson University right after high school, but said that “life took off.” She got married, and she and Jason had their first child when she was 20.

But by taking classes at Anderson University, she’s also showing her children that it is possible to go back to college after having started a family, she said.

“It’s possible to go back, it’s just harder,” she said.

It hasn’t been easy, but she’s been on the Dean’s List since she started and has been invited into the Honor Society, she said. It’s also helped that her family has been supportive, she adds.

“They’ve seen me work hard and study hard,” Allen says. “And I know they’re proud of me.”

Full name: Paige Allen

Age: 33

Occupation and employer: Assistant at Wren Middle School.

Years on the job: Two years, but it seems like two days!

Favorite food: This is a tough one, because I love many foods. However, I guess spaghetti is my favorite with Japanese food coming in at a close second.

Favorite pastime: I enjoy working out in the yard with my husband and kids. We recently bought an older home on Cely Road and we are in the process of bringing the yard back to life.

Family: My husband, Jason, and I have been married 14 years. We have three children: Jonah, 13, Katie, 10 and Zoe, 7.

Pets: Sugar, who we adopted from the Humane Society 7 years ago; and Spike, our Maltese.

Awards or special achievements: I have been attending Anderson University to pursue my goal of becoming a teacher. I have been on the Dean’s List since starting classes and I was invited into the Honor Society.

Residence: I presently live in the Wren area, but I lived in Easley and graduated Easley High School in 1994.

Born in: Greenwood, and then moved to Easley in 1986.

Favorite activity around the home: I love to dance around the house with my girls! Thankfully for all of us, we have the same taste in music!

Church: Marathon Community Church

Favorite sports team: Although I like to watch Clemson football, I love watching NASCAR races on TV and at the track. Go 48!! My husband and I have attended several races at Charlotte, Bristol, but Richmond is our favorite track.