Major:Elementary Education & Women’s Studies
Campus Activities:
- Walk Coordinator, Hampton Roads 1st Annual NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) Walk I 2010-Present
- President, CARES (Collegiate Awareness Regarding Eating Smart) I 2010-Present
- Member, National Science Teacher’ Association I2010-Present
- Actively involved in William and Mary’s Student Chapter
- Undergraduate Representative, School of Education Dean’s Ad-Hoc Task Force on “The Future of the New School of Education” I 2010-Present
- SC Games Desk Employee
- Teach For America Campus Campaign Coordinator
How did you become involved with Teach For America? What is serving as a Campus Campaign Coordinator like? I got excited about Teach For America sophomore year, I went on an alternative Spring Break Trip to Roanoke Rapids, NC and volunteered in a KIPP School (Gaston College Preparatory)—it was absolutely amazing. The work that the teachers were doing was inspiring, their results were incredible. From that moment on I really just wanted to be part of the movement to give each and every child the education they deserve, the best possible education out there. It was after that trip that I also switched my major from Business to Elementary Education. Serving as a Campus Campaign Coordinator is a completely different experience, enjoyable—but not why I got excited about Teach For America. For me, the calling to teach came from the kids, kids are my passion (I’m currently student teaching in kindergarten), and being a CCC is about exciting that same passion in others, while giving anyone/everyone the ins and outs of Teach For America.
What advice would you give W&M students considering applying to TFA? Be passionate! Find that thing that excites you about teaching, or leadership, or being around kids, and roll with it! Think about the teacher’s that inspired you the most, that got you to where you are today….isn’t that who you want to be for someone else? Take that passion, that emotion and roll with it!
Emily was also profiled in Williamsburg Magazine So you will be teaching in Memphis next year as a TFA Corp member— what made you want to pursue TFA rather than a traditional career in education? Again, it’s all about the kids for me. I knew that I wanted to be in the classroom next year, period. But I also wanted to be somewhere that I could help the most, somewhere where the students are waiting to become excited about learning, somewhere that craves excellent educators. I know that the kids in my hometown need great teachers too, but I had great teachers—so many, educators who inspired me to love learning and pursue my dreams…who wouldn’t want to put a child on that path? To help all children achieve to their highest potential? I was given that opportunity and I’d love to give it to others!
How would you describe your experience at W&M, specifically as an Education major? Are arts and sciences classes different from your Education classes? Considering that I’m in the middle of finals at the moment while everyone else is gearing up for spring break next week, a spring break that SOE majors don’t get…yes, the Education world is a world of its own. But I ABSOLUTELY love it! The School of Education is very different than the rest of the liberal arts opportunities offered here at the College. SOE classes are here to prepare you for the work that you do in your own future classroom and most especially for your 10 weeks of full time student teaching (what I’m doing now). SOE classes are definitely geared around personal growth and reflection; they’re working with you and your unique personality in order to prepare you to be the best teacher you’re capable of. And honestly, I learn the most about why makes good (and bad) teachers out at the schools, working with my cooperating teacher has been WONDERFUL. She’s an inspiring and motivating educator, someone that I hope to be for my own kindergarteners one day.
It seems alternative spring break trips are really gaining momentum on campus. How was your experience with an alternate spring break? Would you recommend it? DEFINITLY. Again, my trip is what made Teach For America real to me, the work that those corps members were doing in their schools and communities left me awe-struck. Branch out, figure out who you are, take a few trips—I’d recommend it any day!
Favorite W&M memory? Hands-down the late nights in Monroe Lobby. The memories made there are all their own!
What spot on campus will you miss the most next year? Mhmm, I’m just going to miss campus. Period. I’m going to miss mid-afternoon campus loops and runs down DOG St. I’m going to miss killing afternoons on the terrace, and cramming for finals in Tyler Basement. William and Mary has become home, and while I’m more than excited to start a new adventure in Memphis—William and Mary has shaped me.