Why did you choose this degree -- and UNI?
I learned towards the end of my senior year of high school that I have a passion for teaching, specifically early childhood. I chose to pursue this degree at UNI due to the community feeling, and the success of the Teacher Education program, and the small class sizes. For me and my learning style, it is important to have smaller class sizes and more opportunities for collaboration with peers and my professors. 

What kind of path did you take to achieve your degree (always knew this was what you wanted, discovered your passion along the way?)
I discovered my passion for teaching when I began working at a preschool during my senior year of high school. I knew immediately that it was what I wanted to do forever. As I have been going through my classes and field experiences, my passion for teaching has only deepened.

If you had an internship/practicum/field experience, describe your experience and how it has prepared you for your career.
Field experience has taught me so much about what it takes to be a teacher. More specifically, student teaching has taught me so much and allowed me to explore my teaching style and how I want my classroom to look and feel. It has also taught me so much about building relationships and how that affects the vibe of your classroom and management strategies. I always had the most amazing mentor teachers throughout every field experience which made me feel welcomed and trusted as a teacher. 

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree is so important to me because once I am completed I will be the first person in my family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. I am so proud of myself and how hard I pushed myself to do my best, follow my passions and finish my degree. 

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge apart from the normal academic and financial stress was being away from my family. My family is so important to me and not being near them often was very difficult for me. I overcame this challenge by reminding myself that, even though it was hard to be away, I was doing something that made them proud and myself proud. 

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
The professors helped me achieve my goals at UNI. I knew that they had faith in me and always wanted me to do my best. Smaller class sizes allowed professors to work one-on-one and discuss issues or questions I may have had. Professors strived to create relationships with me, which majorly contributed to my success. Specifically, I would like to shout out two of the early childhood "ed" professors, Allison Pattee and Allison Barness. They not only strived to make connections with me and all of their students, but they love what they do which made me love being in their courses. It is an amazing feeling to know that, even though I am no longer in their courses, I can still reach out with any question or concern I would have and they would still answer and help me in any way they could. 

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 one or more of these statements ring true for you?
Although all of those statements rang true for me and my time at UNI, the one statement that meant the most to me is statement two, "a place where professors care and teach." I will never forget the professors I worked with so closely in the early childhood education program and how much they assisted me in my years at UNI. One experience I have that makes this statement so important to me is with Professor Beth Van Meeteren. In my junior year when I was in her Early Childhood Curriculum class, I caught Covid-19. As soon as I informed her of this she immediately offered to go to the store and drop off medicine, soup and Gatorade for me since I was in quarantine. I did not take her up on this offer, but the fact that she did it in the first place meant so much to me as her student because I knew she genuinely cared.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
My favorite memories at UNI include Panther Pond. I enjoy going out there when the weather is nice to fish and walk around the trail. It is my favorite spot on campus and I have many fond memories there. 

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
My advice for students who are considering UNI is to get involved. I did not get involved with on-campus organizations due to being so focused on my academics. Although academics are very important, I also believe that getting out of your comfort zone, meeting others, and having fun is also important. My biggest regret is not getting more involved with campus activities and organizations. 

What do you plan to do with your degree? 
I plan to become a preschool or kindergarten teacher in the Des Moines metro area. I will be subbing in the Cedar Valley for the next few months to continue to gain experience before moving closer to home.