“A lot of things led me to choose Manhattan, the first and foremost being its 5-Year B.S./M.S. Ed - Childhood/Special Education program.
"There are not many schools that allow you to complete your master’s in five years, and even fewer that allow you to choose these concentrations on this particular time schedule. Knowing I wouldn’t have to apply to a separate graduate school, and I could do so this quickly, were great incentives for coming here. I also loved Manhattan’s location – a subway ride away from anywhere in New York City, but also close enough to my hometown in Westchester County, where I could go home if I needed to.
"As a prospective student, paying tuition was a big worry for me. But Manhattan really worked with me – they offered me a scholarship for my grades and suggested I apply for the TEACH Grant, a federal program that offers assistance to students striving to become teachers in high-need subject areas. All of these things contributed to making my commitment to Manhattan possible.
"Deciding on an academic concentration was tough, too. I really liked math in high school but I wasn’t sure what to do because I was nervous about the intense courses. But the professors really work with you, especially Dr. Rizopoulos. She is always looking for the best for her students and she convinced me to go after what I really enjoyed. She helped me see it would all be worth it in the end.
"I’m a member of Manhattan’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society. Throughout the year, we host events that bring students to campus. Safe Halloween, for example, invites local kids to trick-or-treat in the Quadrangle, which was really exciting and adorable to see. I am also vice president for the local chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children, a national organization that advocates for children with exceptionalities. As a member, I bring students with disabilities to campus, or visit them at their school. This has truly prepared me for my special education degree.
"Last summer, I attended a Lasallian Outreach Volunteer Experience (L.O.V.E) to Camp Reynal in Texas for kids with kidney disease, which was an amazing experience. I was able to see how strong children are, and really appreciate everything I have."
"As an education student, I’m constantly doing fieldwork. Last semester I student taught in first and fifth grade, which was my favorite part of being at school. Between working with my cooperating teachers, getting to know more than sixty unique children, and planning and leading lessons, as well as managing classroom behavior, I feel I truly made the most of the student teaching experience.
"I'm excited to continue learning about what it takes to be an excellent teacher and to lead my own classroom one day soon.”