AYA English Education Major
I chose Heidelberg for the opportunities in education. Heidelberg allowed me to enter field placements first semester of my freshman year.
I majored in AYA English Education because it is my way of serving others. Teaching English guarantees me the chance to shed light onto others' stories and help teens understand the world in different perspectives.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was impostor syndrome. I handled this by challenging myself with larger opportunities that gave me a chance to not only prove to others, but myself, what I am capable of achieving.
The best opportunity I discovered at Heidelberg was the P.A.C.E. program and The Rock Creek Review.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in The Kilikilik, P.A.C.E. Program, G.A.P. Program, and The Rock Creek Review.
The thing I'm most proud of about my Heidelberg accomplishments is my rapport with P.A.C.E. students and being the managing editor of The Rock Creek Review. Both of these leadership positions were unfathomable to my high school self. However, with the encouragement and inspiration from Heidelberg faculty, I found myself leading and taking on greater challenges.
One faculty mentor who impacted my 'Berg experience is Dr. Nichole Griffin. Dr. Griffin has challenged me and pushed me in a variety of ways. Dr. Griffin has taught me to be not only a better educator but also a better person through her empathy, insight, and dedication to students.
My advice to new freshman me would be to persevere. For the last four years, I have persevered through challenges I didn't think I would be able to overcome. I have learned that I can rely on myself to be stronger than whatever challenge meets me.
My favorite Heidelberg memory is late nights spent with friends or going to Boston for NCTE in the fall.
My plan after graduation is to teach freshman and senior English at Elgin Local Schools.