About me

I am an Elementary education major at Calvin University. I am studying education because I have always been extremely passionate about engaging all people in lively and vibrant teamwork to build communities who see people and their needs. I have always loved being able to collaborate with others and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

In high school, I had a couple amazing teachers that really inspired me. My high school band director would always brighten my day as well as other students in band. I really admire this because I imagine the possibilities of making lives around me better just through simple day to day activities. Another aspect of my band teacher that I look up to was his ability to connect with students in order to teach them. He demonstrated the value of how talking with your students instead of at them is a much more effective way of teaching, and I think it was really smart. One other person who inspired me was my high school cross country coach. He impacted my life because he would always just listen to kids and be someone to talk to. This was eye-opening for me because it helped me realize that as educators, we need to remember that our students are also humans, and that being a teacher means more than just instruction. Both of these people influenced my desire to teach through showing me how much influence a good teacher can have on their kids’ lives.

Another thing that guided me to elementary education has been all of my involvement with kids through summer camps, church camps, and being the captain of my tennis team. I have worked as a counselor at many summer camps for kids, including Camp Invention and VBS for my church as well as my grandparents’ church. These experiences helped me realize how much I enjoy working with kids and getting to impact their lives. Another experience of mine is that I was the captain of my high school tennis team for multiple years. This was also really valuable to me because I got to coach some kids and set an example for what they could do with the sport, and I came to realize that I enjoyed being able to inspire kids and push them to grow. All of these opportunities have given me a taste of teaching, and it has helped me to realize how much I want to continue with it in my future.

Through all of these experiences, I have come to realize that I am an empathetic, faith-driven community builder who sees people and their needs.  I love to engage all people together in lively and vibrant teamwork, which is why I really hope to become a teacher.