Why did you choose this degree -- and to pursue this degree at UNI?
I always love working with kids, so working in the school district helped me to become a learner with kids to help them be successful in school.

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 had a passion for becoming a teacher since I was little. So having a second chance with Purple Pathway for Paraeducators was my opportunity to make that dream come true.

Describe your field experience and how it has prepared you for your career. 
My field experience gave me multiple views of being a teacher with and without the kids, along with different strategies needed as a teacher.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree means that I am allowing my dreams to come true and beginning my career as a teacher!!!

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
The challenges that I faced were being able to work on time management between working full-time, being a wife, a mother, and a full-time student along with my self-care. Faith, my family, and support system allowed me to overcome the obstacles along the way!!!

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
Pathways for Paraeducators allowed me to go back to school for free with a job waiting for me upon graduating from the education program.

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?
1) UNI makes sure that the students have everything they need or available to be successful. 2) UNI has professors that are willing to set up meeting times outside of class or respond by email to help with questions or extra support you may need. 3) UNI gives you resources inside and outside the class to help us in the future.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
My best memory at UNI was being able to stop class and just check in on everyone's self-care and talk about the process we had been through so far.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
My advice would be to ask all the questions you need in order to have a clear understanding, manage your time, make your schedule fit your needs, and have faith.

What do you plan to do with your degree? Do you already know next steps/have a position?*
I plan to apply and accept a general teaching position in an elementary school. I have my first interview this week for an elementary teacher. (Update: Davette is now working as a teacher in the Waterloo Community School District.)