• Hometown: Dayton, OH
  
• High School: West Carrollton High School
• Class: 2028
• Major: Primary Education

Why Miami University?

I chose Miami because it felt like home to me and was very welcoming. Miami offers to be part of a teaching program called the Regional Primary Education Cohort (RPEC), and you get to be with the same classmates your whole college career, which has helped me make so many friendships that I am going to cherish forever. Not only that, the program allows students to pay the regional price of tuition all 4 years. I also had the opportunity to play volleyball, and everything was aligning for what I was looking for.

How did you choose your major?

I chose my major Primary Education, because I know it's my calling, and I've wanted to become a teacher since I was in the third grade. I want to make an impact at the school I end up teaching at and in my students' lives. I want to be the teacher that will inspire my students to want to also become a teacher someday.

As a Miami student, what are some of your awards and accomplishments?

I have been interviewed for Miami Harrier Athletics and for the Education Department.

Did you have any special experiential learning opportunities that have influenced you in a positive way?

I have completed job shadows at Lebanon School District, and I have been offered to become a substitute teacher for their district. This has helped me get in the classroom and created more opportunities for me to have more experience in the real world of teaching. I am on the volleyball team, and this has allowed me to play the sport I love. I have made lifelong friendships and so many good memories. I also work for the Athletic Department for Miami Regionals; I work the basketball games at Miami Hamilton and in the weight room.

What are your plans after you graduate from Miami? What sort of career are you aiming for? What is your dream job?

My plan after I graduate is to teach in a 1st or 4th grade classroom at a district where I feel like I can be myself and make an impact. I plan on teaching for 3 to 5 years and then going back to get my master's degree. Further down the road, I would love to become a professor and teach future educators how to teach. Furthermore, I would love to become a volleyball coach for whatever school district I teach for.

Advice to Prospective Students

If I had an opportunity to talk to a student considering committing to Miami, I would tell them to come and that they wouldn't regret it. I would suggest coming to Miami Regionals because you'll be less in debt, you'll get the same education, still have sports, they have plenty of majors, and lastly, they have plenty of opportunities to be part of something on campus. Miami Regionals gives you the chance to have more one-on-one time with your professors, and you'll see so many familiar faces when walking on campus. The University is very welcoming, personal, understanding, and a family that loves and honors.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your Miami experience that we didn't cover? 

I really would love for students to know there are sports teams they can play for at the regional campuses. I feel like a lot of students don't know that there is an opportunity to still play the sport they love at the college level. It has helped me make so many connections and has opened so many doors into having a bright future ahead of me.