“Through both in-class learning and field experiences, I feel that I will be well prepared for my future career as an educator.”
Sydney was drawn to Gustavus because of its “welcoming community, beautiful campus, and exceptional education program.”
On campus, Sydney is a member of the Gustavus Wind Symphony and involved in both cross country and track & field, so it was important to her that her college experience allowed her to pursue both music and athletics. Gustavus was one of the only schools able to provide her the “opportunity to be involved in more than just academics.”
Sydney has always had a passion and desire to teach. From the beginning, she discovered that “The Education Department at Gustavus is a vibrant community filled with passionate and kind students and faculty.” The welcoming atmosphere in her very first education class, “Orientation to Teaching,” only solidified her decision to pursue education as a career.
Sydney recalls that even during a pandemic she was able to make meaningful connections with other Ed. majors and faculty. In her first year alone, Sydney shadowed a middle school math class for two weeks, volunteered as a classroom aide through the Study Buddies program, and established “many meaningful relationships” with individuals in the Education Department. She is especially thankful for the “flexible, creative, and empathetic” education faculty who she feels have “greatly prepared her for her future career in education by setting examples with their own teaching practices and exposing students to all the different elements of teaching.”