This week I had the privilege of interviewing our very own Her Campus Editor-in-Chief, Kayla Hanigan. After learning more about her future plans, her involvement around campus, and her advice to rising seniors I knew she would be the perfect fit for this week’s Profile.
As a dedicated, loving, and overall amazing person Kayla can be an inspiration to us all. She is determined to make the world a better place and follow her dreams of positively impacting people. I asked Kayla a few questions about her time at Mason, her plans for the future, and advice for you collegiettes.
What organizations/clubs are you involved in at Mason?
I am involved with the leadership office on campus, I was a part of the Leadership and Community Engagement LLC for my previous three years and worked in the S(ocial)A(ction)I(ntegrative)L(earning) office for a summer. I am also a member of the PanHellenic sorority Alpha Phi. I am also involved in several after school care children programs. I also like to be involved with MasonLife program whenever I get the opportunity to.
What are your next steps once you graduate from Mason?
I plan on going to grad school in order to get my teacher licensure. I am also looking into programs such as Teach for America, AmeriCorps and City Year. I am looking for opportunities to give me enriching experiences with kids specifically to better myself as an elementary school teacher and a role model in general. I don’t have an exact plan but I am excited to see where life takes me.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5-7 years?
I aspire to be a first grade teacher in an elementary school or a resource teacher. I hope to be teaching in an international school.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be either a foster home parent or a teacher.
What advice can you give students for their last year of school?
Take advantage of every opportunity that Mason has to offer: that includes organization fairs, career fairs, late night walks, and office hours, etc. If there is a piece of advice I can give is to talk to your professors after class. The office hours give you the opportunity to get to know your professor in a more meaningful and personal way. Professors also help influence your future and can help guide you to life after college.
Tell us anything you want us to know about you
I have always wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I started babysitting at a young age since I had three other siblings. Once I got older I worked at summer camps and afterschool programs and my love for kids only grew. When I first got to GMU I went to Southside and was introduced to Trevor Jones, Mason’s best fan. Trevor was a part of the Mason Life program and through him I was able to be involved in the unique program through tutoring and getting to know amazing students and now my friends (shout out Christian and Yahya!). Special Education holds a special place in my heart and it is a field of education that has impacted my life the most. I can’t wait to get into the field after graduation.
Kayla can be an inspiration to all of us who want to make the best of our years at Mason. Do what you love, love what you do and enjoy your precious years in college.