Why did you choose this degree -- and to pursue this degree at UNI?
I choose early childhood as someday I hope to take over a family child care center back in my hometown. I choose UNI as I know it is a great education school and to get experience outside of my hometown, but still close to my hometown.

What path did you take to achieve your degree?
This is the path I always wanted to achieve and I have always had the passion to work with kids.

How did your field experience prepare you for your career?
I feel like my field experience has helped me see who I am without hearing it from my mom and aunt. It has also helped me grow as a person and pushed me to do better in a classroom. It also made me want to go into this field even more.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
It opens up more opportunities for me as well as shows all the great accomplishments I have achieved.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
I feel like some challenges I had were trying to find open time in my schedule to do field experience and homework. I overcame this by talking and working with my professors.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals? 
UNI helped me achieve my goals by giving me multiple opportunities in the schools and classrooms to become a better teacher.

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. Do any of these statements ring true for you?
I would say UNI had a perfect amount of students in the class and all professors took the time to get to know every student. I feel like each professor cares about every student as they are willing to work with students during office hours and show they care. If I had any questions, they were willing to help me and work with me, which is why I love UNI as you can tell teachers care a lot about their students.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
I would say my best memories at UNI are CAB events, SEECA (Student Elementary & Early Childhood Association) events and sporting events.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
If you are struggling or just need help, do not be afraid of talking to your professors. They are there to help you. They do not want to fail you and they want to see you be successful.

What do you plan to do with your degree? Do you already know next steps/have a position?
I plan on going back home and working for my Mom and aunt and hopefully become a preschool teacher and then move up to be a director.