What made you choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Being from out of state it was very important that wherever I went would be somewhere that could feel like home. I toured several different schools but found myself always comparing them to UNI. The moment I stepped on campus I was made to feel valued and important, rather than just another number. Once I decided I wanted to be a history teacher, UNI was a no-brainer and there was no shortage of welcoming faces each time I stepped on campus. Over the past four years at UNI, CSBS and the College of Ed. have provided me with my people and my home and I am very sad to leave it.

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

I have enjoyed all of the amazing friendships I have gained over the past four years and the ability to have close working relationships with professors. From getting extra help on assignments, to writing letters of recommendation, I’ve had several professors go the extra mile to ensure my success. I plan to keep in touch with many people who UNI has brought into my life.

What first sparked your interest in your major?

Ever since I was little I was always drawn to being a teacher. I would force my sister and cousins to play school with me where I would be the teacher and give them fake assignments, and scold them when they talked while the teacher was talking. I have always been drawn to social studies, learning about the world around me, why people do what they do or think what they think, and studying our past. So once I decided I wanted to be a teacher I knew it had to be the social sciences.

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

My favorite part of my major is the close knit community we have as social sciences teachers. Throughout my final student teaching placement at Waterloo East, I have been working alongside three other student teachers, who I have had classes with over the past few years. It has been a great experience brainstorming, collaborating, and creating materials together using the tools UNI classes have given us. I have also thoroughly enjoyed how each professor has their specialty or fascination. Every CSBS course I have taken has been taught by a professor who is completing research, writing a book, or conducting studies that they light up when they talk about. 

How have you been involved outside the classroom?

The summer after my second year at UNI, I participated in the study abroad trip to Merida, Mexico with Professor Fernando Calderon. Being a Spanish minor as well, it was an amazing experience to be able to learn the history of indigenous populations in Yucatan, as well as, speak Spanish with locals and be immersed in the culture. We studied how colonization impacted indigenous cultures, specifically the Mayans, and visited a Mayan community center. This is an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life as it showed me how important language and culture is to preserve, because it is how we learn the story of humans. I also served as an ambassador for CSBS where I would participate in academic sessions to talk about my major. It was so fun to get to share my experience with prospective students, especially the smaller History major focus groups with Chad and Dr. McNabb.

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

Chad Christopher has been the most amazing advisor and professor throughout my time at UNI. From Intro to Teaching Social Studies to Methods he has been there every step of the way to suggest courses, figure out a four-year plan, change majors or minors (and then change them again), share job postings, and preparing us to enter the field of teaching. I will be forever grateful for the UNI experience Chad helped me to create. Professor Fernando Calderon has had a huge impact on my UNI experience as well. His passion for his work and his classes made them so engaging and chatting with him about his experiences and research was always a highlight. Additionally, when I participated in his study abroad in Mexico, he not only provided us with rich historical experiences but support when we had struggles being away from home. There are many more to name, but that would result in me writing a book.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have accepted a teaching position with Leading Out Australia and will be moving to Melbourne at the end of August. 

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

Being in CSBS at UNI has fostered my desire to see the world, learn about new and different places and people, and then share those experiences with others. Almost all of my professors have traveled to new places and getting to hear their visual depictions of lessons in history adds a deeper layer. I attended the UNI Overseas Teaching Fair just to check it out, and never imagined finding my first job. I don’t think UNI could have possibly prepared me more for this next adventure. 

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

DO it. Understanding history is crucial to understanding our world, and being able to be the person teaching young students that importance is something I really value. You will develop meaningful relationships with both your classmates and professors that will be of lifelong value. CSBS, specifically History and the Social Sciences is a small world filled with amazing people.