Why did you choose this degree -- and to pursue this degree at UNI?
I chose elementary education because I believe that you should always be in a posture of learning and what better place to do that than in education. Being a lifelong learner is something that I aspire to be, and in education you constantly learn from your students, your coworkers, and leadership. I chose UNI because we have the best education program in Iowa. I knew I would get the most hands-on experience and smaller class sizes.

What kind of path did you take to achieve your degree?
I was on a mission trip in the Dominican Republic my sophomore year of high school and was helping at a school doing an English camp. Over the course of the trip, I knew that I wanted to work with kids with different backgrounds than myself. I kind of forgot about it when I was deciding what major to pursue, and ended up coming to UNI with a communication sciences and disorders major and quickly switched to elementary education my second semester of UNI.  

Describe your clinical (field) experience and how it has prepared you for your career.
I was able to get into the classroom my first year of college and it really helped me decide whether or not teaching was for me! I was able to learn about building student relationships and qualities of a successful educator. Now being in a full semester of student teaching, I can see how those smaller experiences prepared me for full-time teaching. I feel much more confident going into the workforce post-graduation and having my own classroom because I was able to try new things and observe two wonderful mentor teachers. 

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree means having the tools to be a successful educator for my students. I have spent the last four years learning and growing as a person and feel confident in my ability to teach! 

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
One challenge I really faced going into student teaching was my confidence in teaching. I did not think that I was prepared enough, had learned enough in classes, etc., but I quickly realized the best way to learn was through experience! 

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI brought me people and resources that helped me grow! Since the class sizes at UNI are small, I was able to meet and form relationships with my peers and professors that I would not have gotten at a bigger university. Some of my peers have become some of my closest friends and people that I can ask questions to about certain classroom topics. 

We often say UNI is student focused; a place where professors care--and teach; a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom;  and is perfectly sized. How do any of these statements ring true for you?
"A place where professors care-- and teach" -- I was able to be a part of the PDS (Professional Development School) block for elementary education majors and was able to form such quality relationships with my professors because of our smaller class size. The PDS block is five methods classes that are off campus in a Waterloo school with four different professors and a cohort of 25 pre-service teachers. I saw my professors care for and adapt with us as different circumstances arose in our experiences. 

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
Definitely finding some of my best friends my freshman year of college and getting to still do life with them as a senior. I lived on campus my first year of school and met so many people that I would not have met otherwise. I also was involved in Salt Company, TESOL Club, Women's Club Soccer, as well as working on campus, and I was able to form really close relationships with people in those circles! 

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
If you are looking for a place where you feel like you have people in your corner cheering you on, UNI is the best place to be! There are truly so many people here that are willing to help and wanting you to succeed!

What do you plan to do with your degree? Do you already know next steps/have a position?
I plan to move to Denton, Texas in July to pursue a career in teaching! I do not have a job but I am in the process of applying.