HOMETOWN: Berea, Kentucky
MAJOR: Elementary Education
Tell us about life pre-NKU. Where did you grow up?
I am from the small town of Berea, Kentucky. I attended a small P-12 school called Berea Community. I graduated from high school with around 80 other students in my class and was the only one to come to NKU!
Why did you choose NKU? What kept you here?
I chose NKU because after touring the school I could picture myself becoming a Norse. I looked at other schools, but deep down I knew I had already made the decision to attend NKU. Not only did the campus feel like home, but location was an added bonus. Coming from such a small town, I loved the idea of being just outside of Cincinnati. I also loved how even though NKU has a bigger student population than the small schools I looked at, it still had a small school feeling with great class sizes. What kept me at NKU is simple–I never felt out of place on this campus. It instantly became my home, and even at some of the hardest points of my college career, I knew I had a place on this campus and that I was meant to be here. I stayed at NKU because I knew there was no other place that could give me the family NKU could give me.
Can you tell us a little about what you studied here on campus?
I studied Elementary Education, and I love it! I will be certified to teach in Kentucky, grades K-5, in all subjects. NKU has also made it very easy to get my license for Ohio as well. The program has four semesters, where each semester we learn different methods of teaching, philosophy, management and more! While taking these classes, we go into schools and get hands-on experience teaching in a classroom, which is so fun! You learn so much by being in the elementary classroom, and our professors teach us everything we might need to know!
What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think about NKU?
Family!
What is the best thing about NKU?
I believe the best thing about NKU is how it feels like a small school in a big world. Anytime you walk through campus, you will see at least five people you know, all wanting to give you a hug or have a quick chat. I love that I always feel welcomed and like I have a friend on this campus.
What advice would you give a first-year student?
Push yourself out of your comfort zone, but not so far that you can’t handle it. The push to get involved and broaden your horizons is an important one, and I am so happy I made myself step out and do just that. But it is also important to know your limits and not to push yourself further than you can handle! I set a goal for myself to take on one new thing each semester. This made me try new things, but it also helped me pace myself and take on what I could handle and give my best to!
What’s your favorite class? Why?
My favorite class I’ve taken was EDU 306: Teaching Elementary Mathematics. The way math is taught has changed so much in the last 10 years, so it was very fun to learn and explore teaching math! The professor was also so incredible and fun, and I still keep up with her!
What has been your most challenging academic experience? Why?
My first semester I had to take a statistics class, and it was very challenging! I had very little experience with statistics, so it was a new level of learning and studying I wasn’t used to. Luckily, my professor was always willing to help out!
What’s a favorite NKU memory you’ll never forget?
My sophomore year I was crowned as the 2017 Homecoming Princess. Homecoming is the best event of the year, and earning that title was such a huge honor that I will never forget!
What is your favorite way to decompress?
My favorite way to decompress is to either grab a comfy spot in Starbucks in the SU or to go workout at the Campus Rec!
Where’s your favorite spot on campus? What makes that spot so special?
My favorite spot on campus is the third floor of the SU. There is always somewhere to sit, hangout with friends or get some studying done. Plus, coffee and food is just right downstairs!
Who’s your favorite professor (or staff member)? Why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Runge. She is an incredible teacher and person, and she goes out of her way to build relationships with us students. She was extremely helpful and special in my time at NKU.
Where’s the best place to study?
The best place to study can usually be found in your home academic building. For me, the lobby on the 2nd floor of MEP was my study spot. Lots of space to sit, and since there are classes all around, its always pretty quiet!
What is your favorite way to spend your free time?
I love to spend my free time by finding new places to eat or grab coffee around the NKY/Cincinnati area. There are so many hidden gems!
How do you stay focused?
I stay focused by grabbing a coffee and finding a quiet place to be myself. Usually a good (and large) cup of coffee can refocus my head and my energy, and being alone helps me tune in to my task at hand!
What is your greatest passion?
My greatest passion is helping and teaching kids. So many teachers served as such important, special people for me when I was growing up. I now have the greatest desire to return to that to kids who also need it. I want to be the teacher for my students that I needed and luckily had when I was young!
What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to starting my teaching career! I can’t wait to start my own classroom and to make a difference in my students lives. For me, school never ends, and I wouldn’t want it to!
What does getting your degree mean to you?
To me, getting a degree means a gain in personal achievement and success. As a first-generation college student, this is a huge step for myself. My degree shows me that as long as you want something bad enough, you can get it. With hard work, dedication and perseverance, anything is possible!
What are a few things every NKU student should do here before he or she graduates?
Join a campus organization! Get involved, get involved, get involved! Go to an athletics game! Whether it is basketball or volleyball or anything in between, show up and Norse Up! Have lunch by Loch Norse on a sunny day. A little sunshine and fresh air will refresh you completely, and we all usually need that by April!
Tell us anything else about yourself and/or NKU that you want folks to know.
NKU has become my home and my family. I am eternally grateful for all of the opportunities, memories and relationships this campus has given me. From finding my best friends, to teaching in another country, to working on and off campus, to napping in MEP and everything in between, these have been the best four years I could ever ask for. Thank you, NKU!
