What brought you to Evangel?
I came to Evangel because I was checking out the college online and saw the Founders scholarship (now called Valor Scholars Program). I thought I could potentially get a good scholarship and decided to try it out. I got invited to come to Evangel for the founders’ interviews and decided that week that I would be going to Evangel because of the people I met here. When I was on campus, I met my future roommate and a few other students who would become my core group of friends in Missouri.
How did you know that Middle School Education was your calling?
I knew Middle School Education was my calling when I was in middle school. During that period of my life, I had been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to some unfortunate life circumstances. In school, I felt that my emotional pain was going unnoticed as well as my struggles in the classroom. In 8th grade, I decided that one day I would be a teacher for middle schoolers, so students like me would feel as if someone cared for them both academically and relationally. I knew I wanted to spend every day trying to make an impact on students when they needed support, love, validation, and hope.
How has your time at Evangel prepared you for your future career as a teacher?
Truthfully, I’ve struggled clearly stating how my time at Evangel has been in a word or two. I went through some of my most life changing moments at Evangel. I am from Cleveland, Ohio and felt very homesick my first few months at Evangel, but I loved how much development and growth I was able to experience away from home. By my final year, I still had times I missed home, but Evangel and Missouri have become my home so much that I now live and work here. Evangel was a time of development and change, and I am incredibly grateful for my time spent there.
What impact has the education department had on your life?
The Education Department was easily the best and most impactful part of Evangel. I loved the creative ways the professors taught. I have already used a number of tools from their lessons in my own classrooms because they taught with the intention of demonstrating how to run a classroom, not just having us read about running a classroom. The professors also were my biggest supporters at Evangel. They truly cared about me on a personal level and invited me to join their families on holidays. I could’ve never imagined having a professor care about me as an individual so much and that is why I will forever recommend Evangel to potential students.
How have you seen God present through your educational journey?
It is apparent to me that God wanted me at Evangel and wanted me to work with middle schoolers. I have had numerous students open up to me about problems going on in their life that they felt were too much for them to handle. Students with anxiety and depression who feel hopeless. I chose this degree to help those who I am now speaking life into on a daily basis. I know the pain I endured is being used for the glory of God to help those suffering now.
What would you say to a student considering coming to Evangel and pursuing a degree in education?
If I had the opportunity to speak to a potential incoming Evangel student, I would say coming here will be the best decision of your life. Do not allow yourself to miss out on the opportunity to be a part of a college that will positively impact your future academics, career, spiritual well-being, and personal growth.
