(This week The Columbian-Progress spotlights Woodlawn Preparatory School art teacher Tamara Bullock.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born Dec. 30, 1980, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I graduated from Columbia High School. Then I attended Jones County Junior College, and after that I completed the dental hygiene program at Pearl River Community College.
Q: Where all have you lived?
A: I have lived in Columbia my whole life.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I teach art at Woodlawn Preparatory School. It was founded in 2015 and has continued to grow each year. I teach five different classes each week, teaching art to all of the students from preschool through middle school. Next school year I will be teaching my first group of high schoolers. We have a great group of teachers, and the staff and I really enjoy being a part of the team.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: I worked as a dental hygienist for five years, and then in 2009 my husband and I were asked to join the ministerial team at Woodlawn Church as the children’s pastors. I was still working part time at the church when Darin Tubb, Woodlawn Prep’s principal, approached me about teaching art at the school. He had heard from our pastor, Jerron Carney, of my love of art and my experience of teaching children through our kids program. I was a little hesitant to accept the job at first. I had taken several art classes while at JCJC but did not have an art degree. I decided to give it a try, though, and I am so glad that I did. I feel that teaching art is what I was meant to do right now.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Teaching can be a very rewarding job, and I am so fortunate to be able to teach students about a subject that I am passionate about. I enjoy coming up with different activities and art projects and seeing the excitement and sense of accomplishment that the students feel when they complete their artwork. Also, my two oldest boys attend Woodlawn Prep, and I really enjoy teaching them art and being able to be involved in their education.
Q: What was your first job?
A: The first job I ever had was at First Southern Bank. I started working there part time during the summer before my senior year of high school and continued to work there until I graduated from dental hygiene school.
Q: What is your spouse’s name? What does he do for a living?
A: Chris Bullock. He works for Yak Access.
Q: Do you have children?
A: I have three boys. Ryan is 8, Evan is 6 and Logan is 2.
Q: Who is the person who has been most influential in your life?
A: I am so blessed to have such wonderful, supportive parents, and my mother, Donja Weatherford, is my best friend. She has definitely been the most influential person in my life. We talk every day, and she’s always there whenever I need her. She is a hard worker, dedicated wife, loving mother and grandmother, and she goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is taken care of. She has always been an awesome role model, and I can only hope to fill her shoes one day.
Q: If you could relive one day from your life, which day would you choose?
A: One day that comes to mind was during a trip to Hawaii. My husband and I went to Maui for our honeymoon, and one day we decided to get into our convertible rental car and just drive. We drove all around the main coastline stopping to explore different beaches and little local shops along the way. It was such a perfect day. The sun was shining, there was no schedule to follow, beautiful scenery all around and not a care in the world. I wouldn’t mind reliving that day.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: I would choose my nana’s, Marjorie Lambert, chicken and dumplings. That’s true comfort food at its best.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would love to travel through Europe. The first time I ever traveled overseas was to Paris with my French class during high school. It was such a fun trip. I would love to have the opportunity to visit Europe again and maybe travel to Italy, Spain or Greece. My husband and I have actually talked about going on a European cruise for our 20th wedding anniversary in 2026.
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I have three boys, so there is never much spare time. When I finally do get a break, though, I love to do pretty much anything arts and crafts related. I do a little bit of graphic design and painting, but my favorite thing to do right now is pottery. There is just something so cool about taking a ball of clay and turning it into something beautiful and useful like a cup or a bowl.
Q: What do you enjoy about living and working in Columbia and Marion County?
A: Columbia has always been my home, and it’s so nice to be able to work in a community where you see so many familiar faces each day.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: I would choose my grandmother, Janeen Weatherford. She passed away while I was just starting college. She was always so supportive of my art and kept every picture I ever drew for her in a folder at her house. I think she would be so happy to see me teaching art now. I would love to be able to tell her all about the life I have now and for her to meet my three boys.
Q: Would you rather read a good book or watch a good movie and why?
A: Either would be nice. It’s a rare moment when it is finally quiet enough in my house to sit down and read or watch a movie without being interrupted.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
A: I would say becoming a mother has had the biggest impact on my life. It’s hard to even remember how my life was before I had my boys. It’s the greatest responsibility to be a parent. It can be stressful at times but also a lot of fun. I love them so much and love watching them grow and seeing their individual personalities and interests develop.
Q: What would be the No. 1 thing on your Bucket List?
A: I hope to one day own a successful pottery business. It’s been a dream of mine for a while.
Q: How would you describe your morals?
A: I believe you should always put God first. If you do that, everything else will work out. I believe it is important to do your very best in everything and to treat others with kindness.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I would hope to be remembered as someone who loved God, loved her family and always strived to do the best she could at everything she did.
— Joshua Campbell
Pictured Above: Woodlawn Preparatory School art teacher Tamara Bullock shows off the artwork of her kindergarten, elementary and middle school students. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
