Why did you choose this degree -- and to pursue this degree at UNI?
I chose to pursue my education degree through UNI because of past testimonials about how amazing UNI is and how well this school prepares you for life in the classroom. 

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 never knew what I wanted to do after high school until January of my senior year. I was asked to help out in an elementary special education classroom and thats where I fell in love with education!

If you had an internship/practicum/field experience, describe your experience and how it has prepared you for your career.
My field experiences have given me valuable hands-on opportunities to work with students in a variety of classroom settings through observation, small group instruction, and teaching lessons. These experiences have helped me build confidence in classroom management, lesson planning, and adapting instruction to meet diverse student needs. Working closely with students and educators has strengthened my passion for teaching and prepared me to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all learners.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree in education means achieving a goal that I have worked hard toward and preparing for a career that I am passionate about. It represents my commitment to supporting and making a positive difference in the lives of students. Earning this degree also gives me the opportunity to continue growing as an educator and create meaningful, inclusive learning experiences for all learners.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
One challenge I faced while working toward this degree was having a difficult experience during one of my job placements outside of the university that made me question whether teaching was the right career for me. It was discouraging at the time, but it pushed me to reflect on why I chose education in the first place and what kind of teacher I want to be. By leaning on support from mentors, staying focused on my goals, and continuing to gain experience in positive classroom environments, I was able to rebuild my confidence and grow both personally and professionally from the experience.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
The staff at University of Northern Iowa played a major role in helping me achieve my goals by providing guidance, encouragement, and support throughout my time in the education program. My professors and supervisors challenged me to grow as an educator while also being approachable and willing to help whenever I needed it. Their feedback, mentorship, and belief in my abilities helped me build confidence and prepare for a successful career in teaching.

We often say UNI is ... 1) student focused; 2) a place where professors care--and teach; 3) a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom;  and 4) is perfectly sized. Do you have an example or experience of how one or more of these statements rings true for you?
Because of the smaller class sizes, we have the opportunity to grow strong relationships with our professors which gives us the chance to tailor our own education. When we share personal experiences with our professors, they can guide us on what the next steps are and how to navigate something similar in the future. Our professors want to help us in any way possible and because of the perfect size of UNI, they are able to! 

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
I absolutely loved my methods PDS block. Being able to spend that much time with peers and professors builds relationships like no other in college. We were getting hands-on experience in the classroom, while also collaborating and learning. 

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
I would encourage students considering UNI to take advantage of every opportunity to get involved, build relationships, and gain hands-on experience. The faculty and staff are supportive and truly want students to succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance. I would also recommend staying open to new experiences, because they can help you grow both personally and professionally throughout your time at UNI.

What do you plan to do with your degree? Do you already know next steps/have a position?
I have accepted an elementary special education position at Spirit Lake Elementary School. I am so excited to return to my home district. Go Indians!!