Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?

I grew up nearby Cedar Falls, and have always known I wanted to study education. When it came time to apply for college, I realized very quickly that UNI was the only place I could see myself going!

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI? 

I always knew I wanted to study education, but during high school I found myself working most often with younger children. At some point I decided that I wanted to stick with preschool/kindergarten age. I did some research about UNI's early childhood major and decided it would be perfect for me and I applied. 

What’s been your favorite experience at UNI so far?

I have really enjoyed how welcoming UNI is. There's always something fun going on, and I have always felt comfortable asking questions or for help. One of my biggest fears before I came was that I'd be totally alone and have to figure things out myself, but that's not the case at UNI!

How has UNI helped you achieve your goals?

From the very first day of classes, UNI staff and peers have been adamant that we are not just 'college students' but future educators. The passion the staff have for educating is so amazing, and I have always felt supported. Knowing that everyone has the same goals when it comes to creating educators makes me feel like every class is worth my time and effort. 

What challenges have you faced as you've worked toward this degree – and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest things to learn in early childhood is how to educate based on observations. Much of this time in a child's life should be building on skills they have, until they are able to learn new and bigger skills. Purposeful observation and what to look for is something that will be new to a lot of students, but once it clicks it just becomes second nature!

Everyone has an idea of what college will be like — and then you get here. What has surprised you about UNI? About being in college? About yourself?

I was so nervous that college would be isolated and challenging and boring like it was in the movies. Some bigger universities might be like that, but UNI is probably the best place to avoid that. UNI is such a welcoming and fun campus, and I've found that its really hard to be bored here! Student orgs on campus are always working hard to invite students to fun and relevant events, and classes focus on hands-on and project-based learning. Lectures are pretty enjoyable when you have them, and staff are quick to welcome you!

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?

One of the most important experiences I have had at UNI is the chance to develop my leadership experience. Through classes, student organizations, and campus events I have found myself becoming a stronger leader each and everyday. Leadership is something I think UNI is great at cultivating, and a big part of that is how they focus on students. 

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?

Use what you have!! There are so many amazing professors, advisors, and resources to use here at UNI. They don't get used nearly as often as they should, and it's not weird to ask. Every member of UNI's staff is kind and caring, and they will always be willing to help you out!

How has your experience at UNI shaped/impacted you?

Every day I spend at UNI has made me feel like I can be an educator and a leader. UNI is an incredibly empowering place and has helped me to realize how influential it can be to focus on students at an individual level, rather than a general level. 

What three adjectives describe yourself?

Compassionate, dedicated, and bubbly 

What do you plan to do with your degree? 

My end goal is preschool! Four- and five-year-olds are my favorite people, but anywhere in that 3-6 range is what I'd like to teach, so anywhere between kindergarten and first. Eventually I'll probably retire and find a way to work with babies for the rest of my life.