Women at Rowan University’s chapter of Her Campus are making waves in many different sectors. This week, we will be spotlighting Lilly, a future educator.
Lilly is a junior early childhood education major. She holds an associates degree in both Hospitality Management and Early Childhood Education. Lilly’s road to her own classroom has not been an easy one, but with motivation, perseverance, and determination, she is role model and inspiration!
Lilly was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of four. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin cells in the pancreas, so glucose is in the bloodstream instead of being converted into energy. Treatment for T1D is lifelong, and through daily management of insulin shots and monitors, Lilly does not let her diagnoses get the best of her. At the age of seven, Lilly lost her father and was raised by her mom and eventually step-dad. She would tell her past self that despite not believing in herself and with her anxiety diagnoses, “you did it!”.
What exactly did Lilly do? She started out as a Hospitality Management Major, but fell out of love for the field. Though she was so close to finishing her major at her other school, and her mom told her she needed to finish it, Lilly persevered first with a degree in Psychology. Though that was not her calling, she wanted to help others and give back to others, and she decided teaching was the field she could do that with.
Lilly chose going to Rowan for their education program, as the College of Education is well revered as a notable program for future educators. In order to achieve her dream of having her own classroom and teaching kindergarteners or first graders, she has been a substitute teacher at a school in her hometown. Lilly is a busy woman, as she is involved in Her Campus, KDP, Early Childhood Education Club, and is looking to get involved in more organizations!
Despite everything that Lilly has endured, she did not let her circumstances stop her from going after her goals and ambitions. Lilly is a successful woman by every standard, and she continues to set the bar and exceed expectations. We wish you nothing but the best in your future, Lilly!