Education
BA All Social Science Teaching Plan B Major, Educational Technology Minor, 2019
In Progress - Masters of History with an Emphasis in Education (Grand Canyon University)

Why did you choose to attend UNI? What factors influenced your reason for studying your major?
I chose UNI because it has a prestigious teacher program and was the best place to mold me into a successful teacher. Additionally, I grew up on a farm and went to a small school, UNI was the perfect size college. With a big university feel, but small class sizes. Because UNI emphasized students pursuing an education degree to be a part of the k-12 classroom as underclassmen, I was able to have the time I needed prior to having my own classroom. There is nothing better to prepare teachers for their own classroom than being in the classroom. Because of the time spent in classrooms around the Cedar Valley, I was able to acclimate to having my own classroom much easier. 

I have always wanted to be a teacher because, in my opinion, it is the best way to be a role model for the next generation. As a social studies teacher, I have the opportunity to educate the next generation of responsible citizens who contribute to society. 

What do you do in your current position? What do you enjoy about it?
I currently teach American history, American history/English III combo, Current Events, and Geography at the high school level. The best thing about my job is creating relationships with my students. Additionally, I enjoy watching my students grow into learners who like to learn.

How did your major help prepare you for your current role? What skills are you still using today?
What prepared me the most for my current role as a teacher were the professors that I had throughout my experience at UNI. Learning about historical facts is something that is necessary to be a social studies teacher, however, there is so much more. My professors are one of the main reasons why I am the teacher that I am today. Because of their expertise in their field, I was able to use their knowledge of assessment, instruction, and content. A lesson plan I created for one of my education classes at UNI is something I transferred to my own classroom. 

What is a memorable part of your studies or participation within your major?
I have many memorable experiences that are connected to my major and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. If I had to choose a favorite memory, I would say my work as a SABR (Social and Behavioral Representative) for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences was by far my most memorable. Within this role, I was able to share my experiences at UNI with prospective students and encourage them to find the right path for them. The service that I did, the people I met, and the experiences I had will be something I never forget.   

What advice would you give to students currently interested in the same major and/or going into your career field?
To any students currently deciding on what career to embark on, I would say to find your area of passion. If you are passionate about helping people, especially the youth, I would highly recommend teaching. The best thing about UNI is that if you aren’t 100 percent sure about teaching, you have the opportunity to be placed in a classroom to observe to see if teaching is really for you. Because this happens many times in the first year of your college career, there is plenty of time to alter your plan that fits your passion area more! 

Is there anything else you would like to add or share?
Something recently that I have taken an interest in especially in my classroom is mental health. Last year, I had the opportunity to take a class to become certified in Mental Health First Aid which has allowed me to feel more comfortable and confident in my ability to help students!