What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I wanted to pursue a degree in education because I have a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge. I want to educate the youth of tomorrow and help them to learn to believe in themselves and know that they are capable of anything they desire. I witness students who lack self-confidence and just need someone to believe in them. I want to be a teacher who students will always remember as a positive influence on their lives. My mother and four of my aunts are educators. I see the impact they have on their students, and it is truly admirable. From the time I was very young, it has always been a true desire of mine to make a difference in this world. I cannot think of a better or more important way than teaching our future leaders. Teachers shape and mold every individual and future careers. They inspire students to work hard and to never give up. They instill the belief that when one puts in effort and time, great things will happen. I hope that I can play a role in helping to write the stories of our next generation and to inspire each and every student who I am blessed to teach.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an education student at OHIO Eastern?
The most rewarding part of my journey as an education student at Ohio University Eastern has been the opportunity to work in local schools through observation and field experiences. Stepping into classrooms and learning directly from professional educators has been one of the most meaningful and valuable parts of my preparation as a future teacher. In education, it is one thing to learn about teaching strategies and theory in a university classroom, but it is another to walk into a school and experience what teaching truly looks and feels like. These opportunities allowed me to connect what I was learning in college to the everyday realities of the classroom, helping me grow not only in knowledge, but also in confidence and purpose. Through these experiences, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible teachers and administrators who generously shared their wisdom, encouragement, and passion for education. I also had the opportunity to work with amazing students who reminded me why this profession matters so deeply. Each classroom experience helped shape me into the educator I am becoming and strengthened my desire to make a difference in the lives of students. Without the field experiences and school partnerships that Ohio University Eastern provides, I would not be the educator I am today. Those experiences have been instrumental in preparing me for my future classroom and have continually confirmed that teaching is not just a career path-it is where I am meant to be.
What are your plans after graduation? (e.g., teaching position, further education, specific district or grade level preference, etc.)
After graduation, I plan to pursue a teaching position in Belmont County, ideally within the community that helped shape who I am today. As a graduate of St. Clairsville schools, I have a deep connection to this area and a strong desire to give back. This community has provided me with meaningful opportunities and support throughout my life, and I am committed to investing in the next generation of students who are growing up here. This passion led me to become involved in the Rural Teacher Corp, where I have worked to highlight the strengths of our local community and build meaningful connections within it. Through this experience, I have developed an even greater appreciation for the impact educators can have in rural areas, not only within the classroom, but throughout the community as a whole. In addition to beginning my teaching career, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a master's degree in education. This will allow me to deepen my knowledge, refine my instructional practices, and better meet the diverse needs of my students so I can be the most effective educator possible. Looking further ahead, I plan to pursue a master's degree in history with the goal of becoming a history professor. I have a strong passion for history and believe it is essential for students to understand how the past has shaped the present. Studying both world and U.S. history not only strengthens students’ reading and comprehension skills through the analysis of complex texts, but also encourages critical thinking, thoughtful discussion, and evidence-based reasoning. In the future, I would love the opportunity to teach students through College Credit Plus programs as well as at local universities, allowing me to continue serving my community while helping students reach higher levels of academic achievement.
What is one piece of advice you would give to future education students?
One piece of advice I would give to future education students is to take in everything your mentor teacher and other educators are willing to share with you. The teachers you encounter in schools are professionals who bring years of classroom experience, knowledge of student behavior, and practical strategies that cannot always be learned from a textbook. Their insight is invaluable and can teach you lessons that go far beyond what is covered in a college course. It is important to listen carefully, ask questions, and remain open to feedback. As a future educator, there will be many situations you may not immediately know how to handle, and that is okay. Those moments are some of the most meaningful opportunities for growth. Seeking advice from your mentor teacher and reflecting on how to improve your instruction can help you grow tremendously both professionally and personally. Student teaching and field experiences are some of the most important parts of becoming an educator, so it is essential to take full advantage of them. The more willing you are to learn from others, reflect on your experiences, and accept guidance, the more prepared, confident, and effective you will become in your own classroom.
Who is a teacher that has made a lasting impact on your life, and how did they inspire you?
A teacher who has made a lasting impact on my life is my mom. She is an elementary teacher at Union Local Schools, and although I was never one of her students, I have been able to see the kind of teacher she is through the relationships she builds with her students. Watching her dedication, compassion, and commitment to her students has had a profound influence on the educator I hope to become. I often notice her impact when we are out in the community. Her students will run up to her to say hello or give her a hug, and the excitement on their faces speaks volumes about the impact she has made in their lives. That connection extends far beyond her current students as well. Former students of all ages frequently stop to tell her how much they miss her, how much they learned in her classroom, and how much she meant to them during their time in school. Seeing those interactions has shown me what it truly means to leave a lasting impact as a teacher. She has inspired me to become that kind of educator-someone who makes students feel valued, supported, and capable of success. I want to leave a lasting, positive impact on my students and be someone they know they can rely on. Every student comes from a different background and brings their own unique experiences into the classroom, and I want to create an environment where all students feel confident, challenged, and encouraged to grow. I am incredibly fortunate to have such a strong role model in my life. My mom has taught me so much about what it means to be an effective and caring educator, and I am excited to carry those lessons into my own classroom. More than anything, she has shown me that great teachers are remembered not only for what they teach, but for how they make their students feel. This is the kind of teacher I hope to be throughout my career.
