Shannon Stolen

Shannon Stolen
Major/Job Title:
Early Childhood Education BA
Hometown:
Atkins, Iowa
Class Year:
2021

Shannon Stolen

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
I chose early childhood special education because I have a passion for working with young children, especially those with special needs. I have had some great role models, including my mother, and real-life experiences to help me get to where I am.

What path did you take to achieve your degree?
I attended Kirkwood Community College before coming to UNI because I was not sure what I wanted to do. I have always known that I wanted to help others, and it turned out that early childhood special education was the right path for me.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree is exciting, and I am proud that I was able to work for what I wanted to achieve.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
In any circumstance, things can get rough. That is why it's important to focus on the positives, work through it and learn from these challenges.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI prepared me to be a teacher through the field experiences we have to complete.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
Being a part of the UNI Cheer Team.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
Jump in and get involved!

What’s next?
In the Fall of 2021, I will be an early childhood special education teacher with Spirit Lake Community Schools.