Why did you choose this degree -- and to pursue this degree at UNI?
I chose to become an elementary teacher because I love to work with kids and I hope to make a difference some day in their lives. I decided to pursue this degree at UNI because it is the best college in Iowa to get the best experiences with teaching. 

What kind of path did you take to achieve your degree?
I discovered my passion when I decided to coach club volleyball at the beginning of my college career. I realized that I enjoyed making a difference in others' lives and developing meaningful relationships.

Describe your internship experience and how it has prepared you for your career. 
Through my final experiences as a student teacher, it has prepared me tremendously to be in this career. I had life-changing experiences in two different districts, making me confident that I will be a great teacher. My mentor teachers and students made me believe that I can make a difference in others lives, something that I will remember forever.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree in the education field excites me to become a teacher in the near future. It is the next chapter of my life and I am proud of myself for pursing a degree that can impact others' lives forever.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
A challenge I faced while working towards this degree was doubting I could ever be a teacher. I thought that this career path might not be for me, but after the experiences I had with many schools, teachers, and students, it has impacted me to realize I am the right fit for this field. UNI gave me the best opportunities, which made me overcome my doubt.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI helped me achieve my goal of becoming an elementary teacher by providing some of the best professors. In the education department, the professors are the most down-to-earth, kind-hearted, and uplifting people to work with. UNI also gave many opportunities to be out in the field to experience real-life scenarios in the classroom, which helped me realize I am ready to become a 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. How do any of these statements ring true for you?
UNI offers a place where professors care and teach at the same time. For example, when I participated in the Professional Development Block for a teaching and learning experience, I had a professor who matched this description. Audra Hootman, a methods course professor, provided a learning environment that was realistic. She made coming to class everyday enjoyable and gave purpose to our learning while becoming teachers.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
My best memory of my time at UNI was making friends in the education field. There are so many people through classes I have become friends with for life due to this major. 

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
Consider choosing to attend college at UNI because it is a close-knit campus due to the community of supportive faculty that are passionate to help students chase their career dreams.

Next steps? 
After graduation, I plan to take my elementary education degree and pursue a career in a teaching job. Specifically, I plan to teach 4th or 5th grade in a rural district near my hometown.