Life is full of daunting challenges that test your resilience and character. Some may choose to put up a wall and succumb to the negativity. Others, like author and podcaster Ann Cavera, take on every challenge and come out not only stronger, but kinder and more empathetic for it.
After growing up in a military family, becoming a teacher, serving in the Peace Corps, becoming a writer and starting her own podcast, Cavera has tried her hand at everything that excites her while staying true to her underlying passion: connecting with her family and community. Change never scared Cavera – it only excited her.
“By the time I was grown, I never felt afraid of a new situation,” Cavera reflects. “If one situation didn’t work out, there was always another opportunity ahead.”
Read on and listen to the full podcast, below:
From military moves to teaching adventures
Growing up in a military family with her dad in the Navy, Cavera moved frequently—attending nine schools in 12 years. While this might seem lonely and frustrating to some, Cavera embraced these changes and developed a “glass half full” perspective on life’s challenges early on. She found that if one thing didn’t work well, she could just try something new.
In her early years, Cavera’s family was her biggest consistency. She decided to continue her education at Florida State University for its proximity to where her family resided at the time and initially aimed to study psychology. However, a friend’s introduction to an exciting opportunity with a university exchange program led her to switch her major to education.
This decision marked the beginning of a fulfilling teaching career. During her education, Cavera financed her schooling as a first generation student by taking on various jobs—from typing records at a police station to a whirlwind summer as a chambermaid at a dude ranch. “Not everything’s going to be great,” she acknowledged, emphasizing that no matter what, she learned key lessons through these experiences.
After graduation, Cavera began teaching sixth grade in LaGrange, Georgia. This role was both eye-opening and challenging, filled with memorable moments, like when a student suffered a serious accident and Cavera taught him in the comfort of his home. “It was a baptism by fire,” Ann admits, “but the children were amazing. Teaching in LaGrange really opened my eyes to what you could do with kids.”
Driven by a desire for adventure and service, Ann pushed through her introverted nature and jumped headfirst into joining the Peace Corps in the summer of 1965, embarking on a journey to Liberia. Not only did that further open her eyes and mind to the world, but it was here that she met her future husband, Jim, during training. Their bond deepened as they navigated the challenges of life abroad, culminating in a wedding amidst the shared experiences of fellow volunteers. Though their honeymoon plans were derailed by her husband’s unexpected illness, Cavera sees their experience together as a time of profound growth. “I learned to appreciate the resilience of the human spirit,” she says.
A life of service
Settling in Indiana after their Peace Corps service, Cavera and her husband built a life centered around education and community involvement. With a steadfast belief in finding the silver lining, Cavera has inspired many through her ongoing life’s passion: writing.
Cavera recalls her early attempts at poetry and a newspaper contest she won as a teenager, which ignited her desire to write. She highlights the creative process as both a personal outlet and a source of joy.
While working on her writing after the Peace Corps, she and Jim eventually had children. Their family dynamic mirrored what she calls a “classic 1950s lifestyle.” Cavera embraced her role as a supportive homemaker while Jim worked as a social worker.
As her children grew older, Ann sought to re-enter the professional world, starting by substituting in schools. Over the next 12 years, she navigated the delicate balance of motherhood and work, always prioritizing her family’s needs. Reflecting Ann’s commitment to nurturing others, she and her husband welcomed foster children into their home.
After years of parenting and caregiving, Cavera and her husband began writing columns for a local Catholic newspaper. Their collaboration produced more than 700 columns over 14 years, earning accolades that underscored their dedication. “It was a wonderful way to develop as a writer,” Ann notes, explaining how their work taught her to craft tight, engaging narratives.
Throughout it all, Cavera kept working on her personal writing, including novels.
An unexpected change to embrace
Life took a challenging turn when Cavera faced significant family hardships. With the passing of her son-in-law and her own brush with cancer, Cavera’s religious faith became her anchor. “I look at everything as a temporary situation,” she reflects, emphasizing her belief that faith offers solace during tumultuous times.
It was truly her husband’s battle with Alzheimer’s that changed her life the most. Caring for him from his diagnosis in 2018 until his passing in November of 2023, there were times when her faith was tested, though she felt strengthened in her resolve to keep moving forward and carry on her husband’s legacy through her work.
Publishing her work
Cavera worked through her son-in-law and husband’s passings by furthering her writing skills at conferences and in her own home. In 2024, at 81 years old, Cavera became a published author. She wrote a book with a middle school audience in mind called Ride A Summer Wind, which is available for purchase online.
Though 40 years of hard work paid off with this published piece, Cavera also had one other published piece before this novel: a book of columns written by herself and her husband. Grounded in God, which they released in 2006, captures the essence of their life and the lessons they learned through joy and sorrow.
“I wanted to write something meaningful, something connected to our experiences together,” she said. This book is also available for purchase online.
Promotion and podcasting
Cavera is now working on a trilogy. In the meantime, she is practicing grassroots marketing by hosting book readings and signings at local bookstores to get the word out about Ride A Summer Wind.
Additionally, Cavera found a new passion project to connect with the community and readers: her solo podcast. Speeding Past 80 was inspired by her lack of fanfare for her 80th birthday, and the need to connect during the homebound COVID-19 days. She worked with her son, who edits the podcast, to put together episodes featuring short stories or columns written by Cavera.
“God bless him,” Cavera said. “Maybe he thought it would only last three episodes, but he agreed. We’re on about the 110th episode now, and he has (edited) every single episode and never complained.”
Through all of the patchwork of her life, though, Cavera’s biggest goal is to leave a legacy of love.
“At this point in life, the only thing that really matters is that people know they’re loved,” Cavera said. “I really hope that my family, my listeners, my friends, I hope that when they’re with me and when they’re not with me, I hope they know that they are loved. It all comes down to that.”
Learn more about Ann:
What is the last book that you read or one that you’re reading right now?
The Wing Feather Saga.
What music are you listening to right now?
60s music: The Beatles or Elton John.
What is your favorite movie?
The Gods Must Be Crazy.
What are some hobbies or special interests that you have outside of work?
I’m trying to be a gardener, but it’s not going very well. I love to read, and I collect cookbooks, but I don’t really make any of the recipes.
What are the qualities that you value in those that you associate with?
Joy, trustworthiness and authenticity.
What’s your favorite podcast to listen to?
A Quilters Life, by Paula Chamberlain
If you could give your childhood self any piece of advice or encouragement, what would you say?
No matter what happens, in the end it will be OK.
