Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because I wanted that big university feel with the feeling and community of a small school. UNI welcomes everyone and is a great environment to learn in. Living purple is something you can feel and see every day. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I’ve loved living and learning in a town that breathes purple and gold! There is so much love for UNI throughout the Cedar Valley and that’s great to see and be a part of. UNI has challenged me and made me stronger in all sorts of ways. It allowed me to become academically successful and meet a lot of amazing people. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

I’ve always had an interest in the behavioral sciences, specifically psychology, but I wasn’t sure how to make that interest into a career. After exploring career possibilities, I found the Social Science Teaching major and it just clicked! I will have a teaching endorsement in psychology and sociology while also being able to share my love of history and social studies with students! 

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

I love the variety of classes that you can take to meet the credit requirements for the major. You also get a chance to bounce around between all the buildings and all the colleges on campus. My major might be in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, but I’ve gotten well acquainted with the College of Education and the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences too!

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I’ve participated in a variety of organizations and activities while at UNI. From honor societies to clubs, there are so many ways to get involved with people who also love UNI. One of my favorites is CATS - Connecting Alumni to Students, which allowed me to help plan the things I loved participating in as a student, like Homecoming! Getting to help plan the time when everyone shows their Panther pride was so much fun. 

I was also able to participate in Panther Mayhem, the student section group for UNI athletics. There’s just something about wearing those purple and yellow game day bibs that makes you feel so involved in student life. It's so much fun cheering on the Panthers with people who also love UNI. 

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

Chad Christopher, the advisor for the major, has been a great help throughout my time at UNI. He is knowledgeable, flexible and helps us out when we need classes not specifically designed for education majors. Since he’s also a teacher at Peet Junior High in Cedar Falls, he was also my mentor teacher during my level 2 field experience while working towards my degree. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

I’m actively looking for a social studies teaching position in or around Cedar Valley. Fingers crossed I find something soon! 

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

UNI has done more than prepare me for the classroom, it has helped me meet other educators and future teachers who will help build relationships across schools and content areas. Teaching is a work of heart, as they say, and having a team of people who feel the same is amazing. 

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

Challenge yourself and consider the All Social Science version of the major! Having 7 endorsement areas gives you such an advantage in a competitive teaching field! Whether you love upper Middle school, Junior High, or High school this major can get you to where you want to be. 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

I’m so excited to be graduating and will always cherish my time at UNI. Go Cats!