Coming in freshman year, I didn’t think I would meet as many people as I did. Now I look back and see how I made an impact on people as much as they made an impact on me. Incoming students especially, be mindful and know you’re not alone. I came here with my closest friend, and he left. I thought I didn’t really have anybody until I started getting more involved, then I met my lifelong friends. Don’t be afraid to step out of your shell.

I’m a junior, majoring in special education and elementary education with a reading endorsement. I’m from Dorchester, Nebraska, which is about three hours from here. The reason I chose Morningside is because of the education program. My dad had been teaching for 26 years, and I just fell in love with it. When I first got started at a career fair with my guidance counselor back home, it really opened my eyes. I knew I wanted to pursue something that would help me make an impact on people’s lives.

I’ve been involved with the WOO crew, the group of students who help welcome new students to campus, for the last three years. I’m a senator on Student Government, and I get involved as much as I can. I’m the president of TIES, which is the Teachers Inspiring Exceptional Students group here on campus. It’s a special education group for future educators, and we try to help benefit the students in our community who have learning disabilities or learning disorders. I’m honored by the opportunity because it is a leadership position I always wanted.

I want to teach behavioral aspects, like alternative education for high school students. I want to assist students who need courses they haven’t completed yet, students that have been suspended or expelled, or are going through serious life challenges, or who’re juveniles in the court system. Seeing my dad doing that kind of work growing up, was something that I could see myself doing because it was cool to sit in his classroom and watch everyone become successful even through their hardships. I want to do that, too.”