Class year and major: 2007; Middle/Secondary Education, to teach English.
Current position and responsibilities: As Butler University’s Learning Resource Center graduate intern, I’m currently assisting with the Exploratory Studies program and the Early College program for Shortridge Magnet High School students. I am also pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education-Student Affairs (HESA) through Kaplan University.
Major project/achievement of the past year: One of the major projects that I’ve been involved with is developing the curriculum for the semester-long College Prep Workshop for the students from Shortridge Magnet High School in the Early College Program. This workshop helps students think through choosing a major, a college, and a career; navigate the admission and financial aid processes; and prepare for the transition to becoming a college student.
Why did you choose to work toward your graduate degree in Higher Education-Student Affairs: After teaching for nearly three years, I began re-evaluating what direction I was heading in and what kind of impact I wanted to have on students. During the beginning of my third year of teaching, I also became an advisor to freshmen, helping them map out their road to college. That experience made me rely on my experience working in higher education as a Butler student; and, ultimately, it led to a decision to quit teaching at the secondary level and pursue working with college students.
How did Butler prepare you for your career: The preparation and training I received as a student within the College of Education gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed as a first-year teacher. Now that I am working in the realm of higher education, I see how Butler’s liberal arts education has really given me skills transferrable to other areas besides teaching English, such as advising students in the Exploratory Studies program.
Most memorable experiences at Butler: Working in the Office of Admission as a Butler Student Ambassador for four years and being a resident assistant in Ross Hall for two years were my most memorable experiences at Butler. Those were also catalysts for pursuing my master’s in HESA.
