Before starting at the University of Illinois, I wasn’t completely sure about what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to go into a career that felt fulfilling and helped people, but I was going back and forth between nursing and education. However, after taking classes and learning what I liked and didn’t, I realized that I was less interested in science-heavy courses such as chemistry and more drawn to classes that centered on education and working hands-on with students in the community.
Through my coursework and experiences, I found myself drawn to special education specifically, a field that I had been interested in since high school. During that time, I had the opportunity to complete an internship in a special education classroom, a passion that was reignited in my early experiences at Illinois. I really fell in love with the idea that education isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that it can and should be adapted to meet every student’s needs. Seeing how teaching could be individualized and made accessible for all learners showed me the power of inclusivity and solidified my decision to pursue special education.
After deciding on special education, it quickly became clear that it was the right choice. A major part of my confidence came through my student teaching rotations. Being placed in real school classrooms across varying age levels allowed me to move beyond just theory and to understand what it means to be an educator in real-life. My student teaching experience at Champaign Central High School was most meaningful, as I was able to spend every day there for a full school day and develop deeper relationships with my students. I had the opportunity to observe experienced teachers, gradually take on instructional responsibilities, and eventually lead my own lessons. These experiences taught me how to plan effectively, manage a classroom, and adapt in real time when things didn’t go as expected. I learned how to meet students where they are both academically and emotionally, and how to build meaningful relationships that make learning possible and engaging.
Outside of the classroom, my involvement on campus played a huge role in shaping my Illinois experience and growth. I became involved in Epsilon Delta, our education fraternity, where I ultimately served as president. I loved being able to bring together students from across the College of Education who shared similar passions, majors, and goals to create a strong community of like-minded future educators. One of my favorite parts of leading Epsilon Delta was inviting current teachers to speak with us. I believe you don’t fully understand what the field looks like until you hear directly from people who are living it every day. Having educators share their experiences, challenges, and successes made the profession feel more tangible and attainable. For me personally, being in special education meant I was often focused on that specific lens, so hearing from other teachers and professionals broadened my perspective and helped me think differently about what my own classroom and teaching style could look like.
In addition to Epsilon Delta, I was involved in Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA). SAA allowed me to connect with alumni and represent Illinois in a unique way. It deepened my appreciation for the broader Illini network and showed me how strong and supportive the Illinois community truly is. Being surrounded by peers who were passionate about giving back to the University strengthened my own sense of community and belonging. One of my favorite traditions was participating in Sights & Sounds at the beginning of the year. It’s chaotic and high-energy, but I think that it perfectly captures what it feels like to begin your journey at Illinois. Watching incoming students start their college experience reminded me of how far I had come and how exciting the journey ahead is.
Now, I teach sixth-grade math, a role that feels like the perfect fit for me. I’m drawn to the energy and curiosity of middle school students and the opportunity to support them during such a pivotal stage of their growth. Teaching math allows me to make a tangible impact and help students build both skills and confidence in themselves as learners. Being able to support them academically while also helping them grow as people is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
My advice to current Illinois students is simple: give yourself time and utilize all of the different resources at Illinois. Finding your community and your calling doesn’t always happen immediately. You might join something and realize it’s not for you, and that’s okay. Growth often comes from trial and error. Trust the process, lean into the opportunities around you, and allow yourself the time to discover what truly excites you. Illinois has so much to offer, and sometimes the best parts of your experience are the ones you didn’t originally plan for.