IES Senior Spotlights

In its final Spring 2018 issue, the Attallah College Undergraduate Newsletter interviewed several graduating seniors, asking each these questions: What was most memorable about being an IES major, LEAD minor, or Disability Studies minor? What are your plans after graduation? What is your advice for next year’s seniors?

Hannah Lee, IES major and English Literature major, MACI program

Hannah Lee ’18

The most memorable aspect of being an IES major was the sense of community I developed as part of my cohort and with my professors. The IES program really embodies what it means to be a supportive and inclusive resource for students, and professors emphasized the importance of a justice-oriented pedagogy in teaching. As an aspiring teacher, I was encouraged by this supportive community, where I was reminded what it means to humble ourselves in our service to future students. I especially love my cohort in the MACI (Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction) program because of the camaraderie that’s been shaped through the years and the endless encouragement we give one another.

I will be pursuing my master’s and teaching credential through the MACI program at Chapman University. Afterward, I hope to teach and serve underserved populations in Oakland, California.

My advice is to enjoy life and take it slow. As seniors, there is the constant pressure to meeting deadlines and the impending question of what our postgraduation futures will look like. The pressure and the questions won’t stop with graduation, nor will they stop within the first few years of postgrad life. Thus, I would recommend taking it slow and enjoy the present moment where you can give 100 percent. You got this!

Emma Colapinto, IES Schools Emphasis major, Disability Studies minor, and Language and Literacy minor

Emma Colapinto ’18

It is because of disability studies that I have decided to pursue special education in my teaching career. I feel that the classes I have taken in the minor have shaped my understanding and response to disability both in education and in society. The professors make the classes memorable and have instilled in me a desire to be an advocate of disability rights and laws that protect all members of our community.

My plan is to move back home to Colorado and pursue my master’s degree and teaching credential at the

University of Colorado, Denver. I plan on also obtaining a special education credential, so I’ll have the ability to work with students with disabilities.

My advice would be to be in the present. Senior year really goes by fast, and it’s sad to realize that this period of my life is coming to a close. I would say to still work hard, but also take time to relax and enjoy the moment. Hang out with your friends, do things you haven’t done before, and try not to constantly stress about the future. Senior year is fun, difficult, and scary all at the same time, so my advice is to appreciate it, cause it’ll fly by!

Kerry Goodspeed, IES Community Emphasis major, LEAD minor, English Literature minor

Kerry Goodspeed ’18

The most memorable part about being an IES major and LEAD minor was the relationships I developed with my classmates and professors. Those classrooms were incredibly supportive spaces where I felt very at home. The education I received in these classes was as much about the content as it was about developing as a person.

After graduation, I plan to move back home to Chicago. I have not secured a job yet, but I am applying to positions in the fields of museum education, international education and educational nonprofits.

My advice to next year’s seniors is to make sure to take time for themselves. Senior year is stressful. There is so much going on that it can be easy to get sucked in and think, “Wow, I have to do all of these things.” But you don’t. You don’t have to do everything. Stay mentally healthy and make sure you enjoy your last year at Chapman.

Marina Ballesteros, IES major, Language and Literacy minor, Dance minor, MACI program

Marina Ballesteros ’18

The most memorable thing about being an IES major was making connections with faculty and having rewarding fieldwork experiences. The faculty encouraged and challenged me to grow and achieve things I never thought I would be able to. Fieldwork gave me practical experience and solidified my desire to go into the education field.

I am in the MACI program, so my plan is to come back to Chapman for grad school! I am so grateful for the MACI program and to be able to come back to the school I love so dearly. I am looking forward to student teaching next year and hope to become an elementary school teacher following that.

My advice to seniors and all students is to ask questions a lot of questions, be curious, and advocate your yourself. The best things to come out of my undergraduate experience have come from me doing these three things. Know yourself, know what your needs are, and know what you need to be successful. Also, enjoy your time as an undergrad; it will go by so quickly!

Excerpt from the Attallah College Undergraduate Student Newsletter.