Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because of its reputation for developing amazing teachers, and I knew there was a clear path for me to earn my degree. I also appreciated the size of UNI’s campus, which made entering as a freshman less overwhelming. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

The people at UNI are amazing! When I entered as a freshman, I didn’t know many people, but I immediately felt welcomed by my professors and fellow students. I was also pleasantly surprised with the smaller class sizes, which made my academic journey feel more personal. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I decided to major in All Social Sciences Teaching. I had amazing teachers who taught U.S. History and American Government, and I wanted to carry on their legacy. The way the content was taught in these classes resonated with me, and I could envision myself doing the same. 

What have been some of your favorite aspects of the major?

My favorite aspect of majoring in All Social Sciences Teaching is the opportunity to take courses that I genuinely find interesting. My schedule typically included a variety of courses related to History, Psychology, Political Science, and more. Each semester felt unique, which kept me engaged with my major. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I volunteered as an intern at the Linn County Historical Center where I did research to support the development of new exhibits and learned how to electronically catalog new documents and artifacts. Through this experience I learned a lot about the Cedar Rapids community and the duties associated with working at a museum. 

I also spent time off-campus completing my student teaching at Dallas Center-Grimes High School and Southeast Polk Jr. High. While student teaching, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my mentor teachers on trying new activities in the classroom, which allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences! 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI?

The professor who positively impacted me the most was Dr. Lisa Tabor who taught Methods of Teaching Social Studies. I took this course during my final semester before student teaching, and at the time felt nervous about starting the next chapter of my academic career. Dr. Tabor was always willing to provide realistic advice and useful resources that I ended up carrying with me throughout student teaching!

What are your post-graduation plans?

I plan to work as a substitute teacher at the school I student-taught at in order to continue building connections with students and staff. My goal is to ultimately become a social studies teacher in either a middle school or high school setting, and I plan to apply for these positions as they become available. 

How has UNI helped prepare you for these plans? 

Many of the professors at UNI have prior experience teaching in general education classrooms, which exposed me to a variety of instructional strategies that I can eventually utilize in my own classroom. UNI also provided me with multiple opportunities to gain experience in diverse classrooms, allowing me to explore my own unique teaching style and build connections with local school districts.

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major? 

Make connections with your professors! They genuinely want you to succeed and can provide lots of insight about the courses they teach.