Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because of the resources available for Teaching majors as well as its compact yet relatively large campus. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

There are so many opportunities available for students to get involved on campus and in the community through the classroom and at sporting events. These opportunities can range from cool moments to take a picture all the way to once in a lifetime events. 

How did you become interested in your major at UNI? 

I have always wanted to teach and my social studies classes were my favorite classes growing up. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

Outside of the classroom, I’ve been fortunate to create many different experiences through some special organizations. I participated in the UNI Honors Program, where I completed an honors thesis titled Beyond the Classroom: Do the Iowa Civic Virtues Standards Achieve Their Goals. I was also a member of the Panther Marching Band, performing at all UNI football games and traveling internationally with the ensemble twice to represent our university in Europe. I completed my student teaching experience at both Linn-Mar and Marion High School, getting hands-on experience working with students.

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

Dr. Donna Hoffman, Dr. Scott Ellison, and Mr. Chad Christopher 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

I am currently applying for jobs as a social studies teacher in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. 

How has UNI/your major helped prepare you for these plans? 

UNI prepared me through the many opportunities to get involved in various classrooms, or field experiences, to observe and participate in all aspects as an educator. These experiences focused on spotlighting specific aspects such as instruction, classroom management, lesson construction, and collaboration with staff and families. These experiences occurred at multiple schools ranging from 8th grade social studies classrooms to 12th grade American Government offering a vast set of experiences. 

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

You, as a student, are set up here to succeed. This is something that I felt in conversations with RA’s to academic advisors to the President of the University, Mark Nook.