Meet Elise, a spunky spirit who has a passion for Social Justice and has a deep love for Mod Pizza.
Name: Elise Pepe
Year: Senior
Major: Elementary Education, Social Justice Minor
Hometown: Valencia, California
Favorite Vacation Destination? Bari, Italy (My dad’s hometown)
Dream Superpower? Telekinesis
Favorite Song to blast in the car? “Dancing Queen”
Ocean or Mountains? Ocean
Favorite place to go in Portland? The Saint Johns Bridge
What do you love about UP?
The small school community feeling
How did you get involved in being a coordinator for the Civil Rights Immersion?
I’ve been involved with the Moreau Center since my freshman year. I’ve been apart of many different immersions, however, I’ve never led one. The Civil Rights Immersion was one that I was excited to go on, however, I also wanted to take on a leadership role in the Moreau Center!
As a student teacher, what’s your favorite part of being in the classroom?
I love being able to connect with the students on a personable level. It’s amazing to see how much they grow over a year.
What advice would you give to underclassman?
Freshman year can be so overwhelming and sometimes you feel like you need to have everything figured out within the first three weeks. However, you really don’t. In reality, no one has it all figured out (not even by senior year).
Do you have any fun plans after you graduate?
I’m currently trying to figure that out (this question causes panic). I’m deciding between Graduate school or post-graduate service.