Why did you choose this degree -- and to pursue this degree at UNI?
Teaching always felt right for me. I had so many amazing educators along the way that inspired my career choice. My educational career was a little different because I had a family to take care of. UNI provided the opportunity for me to continue my education while being able to take care of my family. On top of that, the advisors I met at UNI were very helpful and encouraging. 

What path did you take to achieve your degree?
Growing up I had many amazing educators that inspired me to become a teacher. I loved the idea of working with kids and watching them grow academically. In high school I had the opportunity to shadow an 8th grade history classroom. After high school graduation, I decided to work as a paraeducator. I eventually obtained my associate degree and substitute authorization certification and began substitute teaching. All of these steps allowed me to be in the classroom and get to know students as an educator. I realized I loved sparking the curiosity to learn in students. 

Describe your internship experience and how it has prepared you for your career. 
I had three different field experiences that took me to three different school districts and grade levels. UNI organized those placements very well, and being at those placements helped me learn about different curriculums. It was very interesting to see different schools functioned!

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree proves to me that I am able to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. 

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
I believe my challenges began when I was in high school because that was when I had my first daughter. Being in school and having a child so young was not the most ideal situation; regardless, I knew what I wanted for myself and the example I wanted to set for my daughter. Being a mother working full time who was also a full-time college student wasn't easy mentally or financially. I had to constantly remind myself that completing my degree didn't come with an expiration date, and that it was okay to take time to be present! Although, working hard was something attached to this goal regardless. 

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
Considering I was looking for an online program to help me obtain my degree, I looked at the universities in Iowa that would allow me to do so. UNI had a wide teaching endorsement variety, compared to others, that allowed me to achieve my specific teaching goals. 

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 is definitely a place where professors care. Throughout my courses I had many academic and personal interactions with professors. Considering that I was not on campus, I didn't think I would get to interact with a professor either of those ways. I had one course that I found super interesting and I asked my professor for any books she would recommend to continue learning on the topics we touched base on. I read one of her suggested books and she made sure to check in on me every couple of chapters to "pick my brain" and answer any questions I had. That experience demonstrated how much she cared, not only about me, but her subject as well!

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
I enjoyed being able to meet with my cohort in Ankeny for a science methods course. It was good to see everybody in person while learning how to make science interactive. 

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
If I would've attended on campus, I would've found a community that expanded my knowledge in my content areas. I would suggest finding people who add value to your time in school.

Next steps? 
I am hoping to substitute teach for rest of this school year and see what my options are for the coming year in my town.