What made you choose the University of Northern Iowa?

UNI was on my radar early because I grew up just 15 minutes from campus and have been connected to it for as long as I can remember. I grew up seeing UNI student teachers, attending events at the UNI-Dome and being surrounded by the Cedar Valley community, so it already felt like home. I also knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher, and having my mom teach in the Waterloo School District gave me an early look into the profession. Once I got to UNI, I realized the education program was the perfect fit for me. The professors challenged me to think deeply about why I wanted to teach and pushed me to become better, which confirmed that UNI was the right choice.

What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at UNI? 

The community has been the best part of my experience at UNI. I have met some of my closest friends here and built lifelong relationships both inside and outside my major. Coming from Hawkeye Community College, I quickly realized how much more rewarding college can be when you are surrounded by people who encourage and challenge you. Some of my favorite memories have come from walking into class and finding people I could collaborate with and learn from. My experience at UNI would not have been the same without the people who poured into me along the way.

What first sparked your interest in your major?

One of my greatest joys is serving others, and teaching gives me the opportunity to do that. I was drawn to social studies because of the way it helps students become informed, responsible citizens in society. I first realized this in high school when I fell in love with the way social studies connected to the world around me and helped me grow as a more educated person. That experience made me want to help students see the same value in the subject.

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

One of my favorite experiences in the major was my level 3 methods class with Chad Christopher. That class taught me so much about how to effectively teach content. From classroom management strategies to creative lesson planning, I gained tools I will use throughout my career. I also built great friendships in that class and continue to collaborate with those classmates during student teaching. It was an experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally.

How have you been involved outside the classroom?

I have been heavily involved in BASIC, a student ministry through Orchard Hill Church. It has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience because it gave me some of my closest friends and allowed me to grow in leadership. I have served on the leadership team since my freshman year and have continued to support the mission of the organization. Through BASIC, I have also had the opportunity to travel internationally and mentor others, which helped shape me as a person and a future educator.

My most meaningful UNI experience has probably been student teaching. I was fortunate to learn from excellent mentor teachers throughout my placements. At Holmes Junior High, Mr. Kuker taught me so much about lesson planning, streamlining instruction, and differentiating for students. At Waterloo East, Mr. Riley showed me how deep content knowledge can make such a difference for students. Both experiences challenged me and helped prepare me for my own classroom.

Which professors or mentors have had the biggest impact on your time at UNI, and how?

Anthony Buhr and Greg Bourassa have had the biggest impact on my time at UNI. They are both outstanding educators who challenged the way I think and helped me seriously reflect on whether teaching was the right profession for me. Greg’s American Schools and Society course was especially meaningful because it gave me a realistic picture of what it means to be a teacher. He teaches with honesty and grace, and I learned a great deal from that. Anthony Buhr is the kind of teacher I hope to become. He explains complex ideas clearly, creates a classroom environment built for success and shows a real understanding of student needs. Both of them have shaped the educator I hope to be.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have accepted a position as a 7-12 social studies teacher in the Wapsie Valley Community School District, near Fairbank and Readlyn, Iowa. I also plan to pursue coaching opportunities and continue mentoring students both inside and outside the classroom.

In what ways has UNI and your major helped prepare you for your next steps?

UNI and my major have given me the skills, relationships and confidence to succeed in my career. My professors have not only taught me content and teaching strategies, but also built connections I know I can return to for support and guidance in the future. UNI has also given me a deep sense of pride in my community and a desire to bring the same energy and passion into the school and community I will serve.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking about pursuing this major?

My biggest advice is to learn how to communicate well, because communication is one of the most important skills in education. I would also encourage students to jump in with both feet and fully commit to the profession. It is important to find the parts of teaching you truly love, especially because burnout is real. When you find strategies and content that work for you, lean into them. Finally, don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Your professors and mentors have valuable experience, so listen to them, trust them and take advantage of the knowledge they want to share.