Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because my Mom attended UNI for both her undergraduate and master's degrees, and she is my inspiration! But also because UNI has the big college and campus perks, but still feels like home. 

What is one of your favorite memories of your time at UNI? 

My favorite memory from UNI is being a part of the Panther Marching Band. I got to travel to both Madrid and London for parades with the PMB. Plus, I met so many lifelong friends and my boyfriend through PMB! 

How did you first become interested in your major, and what ultimately led you to pursue it? 

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I remember playing “teacher” with my friends when I was little, and I have always loved being helpful in any way possible. This bloomed later in my life as I fell more in love with social studies! I love learning history in high school. The idea of making history engaging and helping students feel the impact of that content in their lives is what ultimately led me to pursue my degree in secondary education for social studies. 

What aspects of your major have you found most engaging or meaningful? 

The aspects of my major that I have found most meaningful were my field experiences. I appreciate so much how UNI gets you into the classroom right away with hands-on experiences. I was encouraged to be a paraprofessional to count towards my level 1 field experience during my sophomore year of college, and I have always been grateful for that opportunity to work with diverse students. That helped me solidify that teaching is my passion. 

In what ways have you been involved outside the classroom?

I was able to study abroad in Florence, Italy, and that experience was SO impactful. I loved being able to experience, first-hand, different cultures and open my eyes to a beautiful world outside of Iowa. Connecting Alumni to Students was a student organization that also made my time at UNI so meaningful. That group of UNI students is the most motivated group at UNI, and it was so astounding to see how much we could accomplish. While at UNI, I’ve also been involved in Model United Nations, pep band, and held an internship at World Classrooms, where I chaperoned middle school Washington D.C. trips over the summer! 

Which professors were particularly influential during your time at UNI 

Chad Christopher and Kerri Clopton are two outstanding professors at the University of Northern Iowa. They supported my growth by showing that they care. It was so evident when I took their courses that they wanted me to succeed and provided me with so many resources in order to do so. 

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I plan to move to Madison, Wisconsin, and find a teaching position there. I have my substitute license and plan to substitute around the Cedar Rapids area until I can get a full-time position for the 26-27 school year. 

How did UNI, and your major, prepare you for your next steps? 

UNI prepared me for my next steps by having great advisors to help answer my direct questions, and overall has so many opportunities for success that they push your way. Things like various student organizations, consistently innovating student learning, job opportunities, career fairs, and so much more.

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

For anyone considering teaching social studies, get the all social studies endorsement! This helps you so much with the job search and making yourself more marketable to districts :) 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

#gocats