Makae Curtis
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Verona, WI
Position: President
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I want to inspire and shape the next generation. I want to see the work that I’m doing right in front of me. I want to visualize the change and progress of my students, and the impact I’m making on others. You can’t do that sitting at a desk job. As a teacher I want to be someone who kids can go to, whenever. I want to be a teacher who fosters community and belonging. I want to inspire students to want to be better students and better human beings. I feel like I need more experience in a classroom. Sometimes you need to see how things affect/change your life before you fully understand how and why they affect and change your life.
Goals & Aspirations: After graduation I would ultimately love to teach abroad for a few years and teach Special Education. I would eventually like to come back and teach closer to my family after teaching abroad for a few years.
Julia Piotrowski
Major: Special Education
Minor: Youth Development Studies
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Position: Vice President/Secretary
Why I want to teach: I have always had a passion for helping others and kids! I want to be able to be an inspiration and make a difference in kids' lives! In the future I want to help all kids reach their full potential both academically and personally.
Goals & Aspirations: Once I get my special education degree I have an opportunity to impact kid's lives every day. I want to show each child they are capable of anything they put their mind to. I not only want to help students, but as a special educator, I want to work closely to help and educate other teachers and administration to help foster a learning environment for all! I eventually want to go back to school and pursue a master’s in Education Administration.
Sophia La Porta
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Boalsburg, PA
Position:Treasurer
Why I want to teach: School has always been something I really enjoyed, and I have been lucky enough to have teachers who always supported me. In middle school I began helping out in the Special Ed classroom and could immediately see myself doing it as a career. The teacher was so kind to all of her students, and welcomed volunteers into her classroom so that her students could create more friendships. Ultimately, I want to be that supportive and kind teacher for all of my future student's, and make school something they look forward to each day!
Goals & Aspirations: I want to enjoy my time here at Clemson University, and learn from all of my experiences here. I plan on participating in the teacher residency program to get a masters degree. After graduation I look forward to having my own classroom and making an impact on the lives of my students.
Ahmad Pendergrass
Major:Elementary Education
Minor:Athletic Leadership
Hometown:Greenwood, SC
Position:Inclusion and Equity Chair
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because, during my upbringing, I witnessed my mother teach students and profoundly influence their lives. She served as my hero, embodying the role of a change agent and leaving a lasting impact on those she taught. Creating a secure haven within the school environment, she supported children facing challenges we may never personally encounter. Her example taught me the essence of genuine compassion and care for others, serving as my inspiration to pursue a career in teaching.
Goals & Aspirations:After graduation, I intend to teach either 1st or 2nd grade in South Carolina, specifically in an area where students may face challenges in accessing a quality education compared to their counterparts across the state. Additionally, I aspire to push beyond my comfort zone as part of my personal journey.
Avery Benhart
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Davidson, NC
Position:Internal Relations Chair
Why I want to teach:I always loved school growing up, and I want children to have that same love and respect for learning as they grow. I think that the opportunity to have a lasting impact on students like my teachers throughout my education has had on me is incredible.
Goals & Aspirations:I'm thinking of starting my teaching career somewhere in North Carolina or Virginia. My ideal grade range to teach would be somewhere between 3rd and 5th grade because I think the content and development levels of those grades are incredibly interesting!
Saylor Judy
Major:Special Education
Hometown:Branchville, SC
Position:Communications Chair
Why I want to teach:Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher! I can remember teaching my homework to my little brother in my playhouse, which I thought was a school. Teaching and helping others have always been passions of mine and I can't wait to see what I can do with them in the future! I love kids and being apart of their lives! I love the idea that students get to come to school and I have the opportunity to change their lives each day. I love to watch students grow over the course of the school year. It is simply so rewarding! I just hope to help as many students as possible! It's truly the students that change my life daily.
Goals & Aspirations:After attaining my B.A. in Special Education, I want to get my masters in Speech Pathology! My goal is to work in schools while in grad school so that I never have to leave the school setting! After getting my masters, I hope to work one on one with students and create my own day to day schedule.
Emily Salehi
Major:Early Childhood Education
Hometown:Davidsonville, Maryland
Position:Service Chair
Why I want to teach:I’ve wanted to teach since I was little-I’m so excited to instill a love of learning in my students like so many of my amazing teachers did for me, and get them excited about school! I’ve had so many incredible teachers that made such a big impact on my education and really life in general, and I hope to do the same for my future students!
Goals & Aspirations:While I can’t wait to get in the classroom and teach, I also hope to get a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and work in schools doing that as well!
Cassady Fortson
Major:Special Education
Hometown:North Augusta, SC
Position:External Relations Chair
Why I want to teach:I have known that I wanted to teach since the fourth grade, and have had many experiences since then that have solidified my career choice in special education. My biggest "why" for teaching is to be an advocate for my future students, and to teach them that they can do anything they set their minds to, and to help them achieve it to the best of their ability. Teaching has a long history in my family, starting with my great grandmother, who was a huge inspiration to me growing up. I cannot wait to help children grow into amazing people, and hope to make a difference in their lives! Going to Clemson and being a part of the amazing Education program has been one of my dreams since I was a little kid, and I cannot wait to see how this program molds me into the best teacher that I can be for my students!
Goals & Aspirations:Upon graduation with a bachelor's degree at Clemson, I hope to get accepted into the Teacher Residency program and get my Masters degree. After graduation, I plan to stay in the Clemson or Greenville area and work in a school system in my very own Pre-K or Elementary severe self-contained special education classroom. During this time, I plan to have many experiences that will allow me to grow as a teacher and a person so that I can be the among one of the best for my future students! One of my long term goals is to own a house wherever I chose to settle, hopefully with a Ford Bronco in the driveway and a personal gym in the garage with a dog and lots and lots of music and many family dinners with friends!
Anna Beadles
Major:Early Childhood Education
Hometown:Commerce, GA
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because teachers are on the front line of shaping the next generation. As I have gotten older, I have realized that one of the biggest passions I have is to encourage and speak Truth over younger generations. Being a teacher will not only allow and equip me to give the gift of education to children but also teach them how to be good citizens and a part of society. I can not wait to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all of my students!
Goals & Aspirations:In my one year remaining at Clemson, my goals are to continue to become more involved in the College of Education, study abroad in Reggio Emilia, and continue to form intentional relationships with my classmates. I am looking forward to my student teaching semester during the Spring of 2025 and getting to experience a taste of having my own class. After graduation, I hope to live in South Carolina and complete my Master’s Degree and possibly get my PhD as well. I also want to write a children’s book to have in my classroom!
Josie Blanchard
Major:Early Childhood Education
Hometown:Pomaria, SC
Why I want to teach:I have always had a love for children and I know that by becoming a teacher I will be able to make a difference in my student’s lives through daily encouragement and support.
Goals & Aspirations:After graduating, I hope to continue my education and get a master's. I am not sure what I want my master's to be in yet, but I really want to be in the Residency Program Clemson offers. After this, I would love to go into a kindergarten classroom, and serve title one schools. I want to inspire students and help them find a passion for learning.
Caroline Coleman
Major:Elementary Education
Minor:Psychology
Hometown:Columbia, SC
Why I want to teach:The teachers that I have had over the years have inspired me to pursue a career where I can share my love of learning, empower students to use their voice to make a difference, and create an environment where students feel comfortable to challenge themselves. I hope to not only serve as an educator, but a role model for our future generations!
Goals & Aspirations:After graduation, I hope to earn my Master’s Degree through the Teacher Residency Program and eventually have my own classroom! My goal is to one day earn a PhD and have a job in educational leadership.
Grayson Collins
Major:Middle Level Education– Math and Science
Hometown:Lexington, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I love to learn! I want to share my passion for learning with others, and help them find something they love, as much as I love learning!
Goals & Aspirations:I hope, one day, to reform the traditional classroom environment, and advocate for new, innovative curriculum and instructional methods. I hope that in doing so, I will have a lasting impact on my students, and the school system as a whole.
Jordan Colombo
Major:Middle Level Education– Math and Science
Hometown:Scranton, PA
Why I want to teach:I have wanted to teach since my sophomore year of high school. I have always had teachers who have cared for me and I want to have the same impact on future generations of students. I want to inspire students to be excited to learn everyday and I can’t wait to have a classroom in the future!
Goals & Aspirations:After graduating in 2027, I would love to enroll in the Teacher Residency Program at Clemson and get my Masters degree. I would like to end up teaching in North or South Carolina and eventually get my doctorate. I have aspirations of becoming a Principal or Superintendent some day!
Julia Dalrymple
Major:Early Childhood Education
Hometown:Wellesley, MA
Why I want to teach:I have wanted to be a teacher since I was little! I have always loved working with kids. My elementary school teachers were amazing and made a huge impact on me. They were so passionate about teaching and creating relationships with their students. I want to do the same for future generations and be a role model for them!
Goals & Aspirations:After graduating, I hope to get my master's degree through the Teacher Residency program at Clemson. After that, I hope to teach kindergarten, first, or second grade. My goal is to create a classroom environment where every child feels loved, welcomed and appreciated!
Temarrian Davis
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Dillon, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach to be an advocate of change in future generations. I feel that for these students to make the best of themselves, they need proper images to look up to.
Goals & Aspirations:My biggest goal is to be able to teach my first lesson plan to my 3rd-grade class.
Noelle Ealey
Major:Secondary Education & Mathematics
Hometown:Pendleton, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to change students' perspectives about math, and help them realize that they don’t have to struggle with it. Many students dread math, and have already made up their mind that they aren’t good at it, or aren’t a “math person.” I want to rebuild students' confidence regarding math, and see them succeed. Math is extremely important in everyday life and in the workforce, so I hope to be able to adequately prepare students, and maybe even help them discover that they have a passion for math too!
Goals & Aspirations:During my time here at Clemson, I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and get involved with as much as I can! I hope to build connections with my peers while also preparing myself for my career in education! After graduation, I hope to participate in the Teacher Residency Program and get my Masters degree. I plan to stay in South Carolina and be a high school math teacher!
Taylor Felipe
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Wilton, Connecticut
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because since I was little, my mom, also a teacher has inspired me to help kids, by teaching. It is so special to get to see the direct impact you have on a person through teaching and to see how your work can affect others positively. I love helping people and I think teaching is a great profession for this.
Goals & Aspirations:Continuing in my next three and a half years at Clemson, I want to become more involved in the College of Education as well as in my sorority, Kappa Delta. Following my graduation from Clemson, I hope to get my masters and become a 1st grade teacher!
Savannah Goninan
Major:Secondary Social Studies Education
Hometown:Fort Mill, SC
Why I want to teach:Ever since I was five years old, I have known that Education would be the career I find myself a part of. Most of my childhood memories are centered around a classroom setting, whether for my education or helping my mother in her classroom. The rare time I wasn't in school, I was pretending to be a teacher to my class of stuffed animals and dolls or shopping in the school supplies sections at any store. In high school, I was able to experience hands-on time in the classroom with multiple groups of Pre-K students and a class of fifth graders. Seeing the joy on my kids' faces when they mastered a topic filled my heart. This experience convinced me I could never see myself in any other career. Though I have always had a passion for teaching, with every year and new experiences in the classroom, I continue to become more excited for the future of my career. Teachers change children's lives every day. They are leaders and role models and take part in developing who a child becomes in their lives and I am beyond excited to feel satisfaction and knowledge that I have impacted someone's life.
Goals & Aspirations:After I graduate in 2027, I hope to be accepted into Clemson’s Teacher Residency program and earn my Master’s degree. Once completing these goals I plan on teaching high school history somewhere in South Carolina!
Tess Hanlon
Major:Special Education
Hometown:Bernardsville, NJ
Why I want to teach:Teachers are everything and beyond, as they have the opportunity to shape young minds, inspire growth and teach valuable knowledge. My mother always told me that teachers are superheroes, but I never realized that until I experienced their touch myself. As someone with a learning disability, I've always had a difficult educational journey. Through middle school, I was lucky enough to experience how special teachers truly were. My teachers were not only individuals who taught me information that would allow me to grow academically, but they were individuals who truly cared about my well-being. I felt supported in whatever endeavors I faced and knew they were there to support me in every step I took. Since I have had a learning disability throughout my life, I have experienced firsthand how students feel and desire to create change that will ultimately work for them. I hope to do a fraction of what they did for me because their impact was something I was forever grateful for. As a teacher, I want to make a meaningful difference in student’s lives and aiding in their growth is a fundamental aspect of being an educator. I possess the capacity to shape the future of any child I interact with, and I believe that this is one of the most significant contributions that an educator can make.
Goals & Aspirations:As a teacher, some of my goals and aspirations include: Inspiring children to develop a passion for learning, facilitating an environment that's positive and inclusive, and encouraging creativity. Additionally some of my personal goals include to pursue getting my masters degree, maintain a healthy balanced routine, and to run a marathon in the future!
Anna Howe
Major:Secondary Education English
Hometown:Anderson, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I want to share the magic of reading and literature!
Goals & Aspirations:My goal after college is to become a school librarian!
Logan Hunter
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Seneca, SC
Why I want to teach:Why do I want to teach? I want every student I come in contact with to feel loved, equal and welcome. It's very important to me that all students feel this way; that drives my passion to become a teacher.
Rachel Jacobs
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Hickory, NC
Why I want to teach:I have always loved caring for and working with kids and really want to make a positive impact upon their lives. I had great teachers growing up, so I desire to provide my students with the same positive experiences I have encountered. I am passionate about learning new things myself and want to share this love of learning with others. I want to be able to support and care for my many future students, no matter what they are going through.
Goals & Aspirations:I want to finish my time at Clemson strong, learning from many different experiences. I hope to pursue my MAT in Elementary Ed in the Clemson Teacher Residency program. After graduation, I plan on staying in the Upstate area to teach an upper elementary grade.
Reese Jernigan
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Irmo, SC
Why I want to teach:I have known I have wanted to be a teacher since elementary school. The main reason why I want to teach is to give younger kids a solid foundation in the basics of all subject areas that they learn in elementary school. This will benefit them as they get to more difficult material in middle and high school. I also want to make school a fun and welcoming environment that way they associate positive feelings with school throughout their childhood and adolescents.
Goals & Aspirations:After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a masters in educational leadership. After I have pursued my educational goals, I want to teach somewhere here in South Carolina, and I would love to be in third grade!
Alyson Kaplan
Major:Elementary Education
Minor::Athletic Leadership
Hometown:Bedford, NY
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I love learning! I want to share my love of learning with future generations!
Goals & Aspirations:I am aiming to get a masters in Elementary Education here at Clemson and work as a 2nd or 3rd grade teacher in the future!!
Kathleen Knight
Major:Middle Level Education ELA/Social Studies
Hometown:New Berlin, Wisconsin
Why I want to teach:For as long as I can remember, have always wanted to be a teacher. In every way, I love to be a leader and an advocate for change. I want to teach so that each student that I come across has an equal opportunity of love, compassion, encouragement, and academic success. More than just simply teaching content material, I want to teach students the importance of emotional intelligence, high self-esteem, and overall duties of citizenship.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal as a teacher is to make a change in my students' lives. Furthermore, I aspire to receive my Bachelors degree as well as Masters degree from Clemson after completing the Teacher Residency Program. My goal is to teach in a Middle School Classroom and gain experience. In the future, I hope to one day join a team of administration of a Middle School, and return to a University to be a professor of Education and guide other preservice teachers with the same wisdom that I was given throughout my own education as an undergraduate student.
Nora Kramer
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Columbus, OH
Why I want to teach:Ever since I was young I have always wanted to be a teacher. I used to spend hours in my room setting up my pretend classroom and teaching "students". I am very passionate about helping others and making a difference in others lives. My past experiences grew my love and desire to teach. I have had excellent teachers throughout my academic career that have inspired me to become an educator and impact a child's life. My teachers provided me with my love to learn, allowing me to fall in love with school and grow that love into something that I can pursue as my career and hopefully share with my students one day. I want to take that love and make something great out of it. I want to be a support system for future students, helping them get through tough times in their life pushing them to strive for greatness.
Goals & Aspirations: As my time left as a Clemson student continues to shorten, I hope to finish the rest of my educational career strong, falling more in love with education. After graduation, I hope to be a part of Clemson’s Teacher Residency program and earn my Master’s degree, eventually settling down in a great community helping to make a difference in students’ lives.
Virginia (Jeni) Lee
Major:Early Childhood Education
Hometown:Spartanburg, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I want to give back to the education field. Growing up, some of the most influential people in my life have been my teachers! I want to have the opportunity to shape the lives of students, the same way teachers shaped mine. I ignored my calling into education for as long as I could, but I finally found my home in the College of Education and could not be happier.
Goals & Aspirations: My goals for being involved with USAB include both goals for the program and individually. For the education program here at Clemson, I hope we can continue to be one of the best majors on campus! I hope that we as an advisory board are able to keep up all of the wonderful things such as events, fundraising, and preparation for jobs once graduation. I hope that we also grow and use the ideas of others to become a better committee for Clemson. As for myself, I hope to continue to put myself out there and give back to the Clemson community more and more! I am so excited to meet more and more students who are as excited to be future educators as I am!
Andrew Lindler
Major:Secondary History Education
Minor:Athletic Leadership
Hometown:Chapin, SC
Why I want to teach:I'm really passionate about teaching as well as having the opportunity to be a role model for my students! Teachers play a crucial role in shaping future generations of doctors, engineers, and every job in between, so I'm excited to be able to create a lasting positive impact for my students and others around me!
Goals & Aspirations: My primary goal is to graduate with my Masters in Secondary Social Studies Education and teach at a high school level as well as coach football or baseball!
Ella Lowery
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Fort Mill, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because of my love for education and helping others. Becoming a teacher has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I love working with kids and can not wait to do it every day. I want to be a support system and develop a positive learning environment for all my students. I also want to be a role model and help shape the future generations.
Goals & Aspirations: I will graduate in spring of 2026 and hopefully be accepted into Clemson's Teacher residency program to earn my master's degree. After my 5th year, I would love to teach second grade in South Carolina.
Ellanor Lynch
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Charleston, SC
Why I want to teach:Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I enjoy being around people and interacting with children. I love meeting new people and learning new things. Becoming an educator will provide me with an opportunity to serve children and help them prosper.
Goals & Aspirations:Once I finish my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education I plan to complete my Teacher Residency at Clemson University. After graduating I hope to become an Elementary School teacher back home in Charleston and travel during the summers.
Isabelle Matkovich
Major:Secondary Education in Social Studies
Minor:American Sign Language
Hometown:Moncks Corner, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I am passionate about helping the next generation learn about what came before them. Most of the teachers I have had passed their wisdom down to me, so I want to be able to share that even farther!
Goals & Aspirations:My goal for this year is to grow stronger in my faithfulness to the education system. The education system is fruitful in so many ways and I want to make sure I notice how amazing it is in every light possible!
Madison McAlister
Major:Secondary Education & Social Studies
Hometown:Pamplico, SC
Why I want to teach:I knew that I wanted to become a teacher at a very early age. I was extremely lucky growing up because I had so many amazing teachers. These teachers helped shape me into the person that I am today and I want to be able to help others the same way my teachers helped me. So I ultimately chose education because I want to be a positive role model to my students and help them become the best versions of themselves. I am so excited to be pursuing my dream career at Clemson and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Goals & Aspirations:During my time at Clemson, I want to continue to push myself to be the best that I can be and to get more involved in things around campus. After graduation I hope to move back to my hometown and teach high school history at my alma mater. I hope to be able to teach at the school I grew up in because I want to give back to the community that helped shape me as an individual.
Chloe Milkowski
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Huntington, NY
Why I want to teach:My mom is a school principal, and she always says the most impactful part of being an educator is getting to know the students and seeing them succeed, which is exactly what I want to do. I want to be a teacher that impacts her students and helps them believe in themselves. When I was a sophomore and junior in high school, I taught religious education to sixth graders, and that reaffirmed my passion for helping students. In high school, I got heavily involved in extracurricular activities relating to going to elementary schools and helping children with homework and after school activities and I knew from there I wanted to become a teacher.
Goals & Aspirations:After graduation, I want to work as a teacher for a couple of years. I eventually want to get a masters degree to become a school administrator.
Liza Morris
Major:Secondary Education in English
Hometown:Florence, SC
Why I want to teach:I've always known I wanted to pursue a career in education from the impact that my teachers have had on me throughout my entire life! I'm very passionate about creating a lifelong love of learning in each of my future student's lives like my teachers have done for me, and caring about my students both in and out of the classroom.
Goals & Aspirations:I plan to graduate with my Bachelor's degree in 2027 and go on to complete the Bachelor's to Master's teacher residency program! I eventually hope to teach high school english somewhere near the coast of South Carolina!
Madison Peeler
Major:Early Childhood Education
Hometown:Fort Mill, SC
Why I want to teach:I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in elementary school for many different reasons. As I got older, I started to realize and discover that my true passion was definitely teaching and working with students. I have had so many great opportunities to work with students, especially younger students and it has really solidified my future career choice. I want to be a teacher so that I can make a difference in students' lives and make learning and being in school a time that is exciting and fun. I plan to be a teacher that is always genuine, respectful, encouraging, kind, and supportive in all aspects of the classroom. I want to make sure that my students feel comfortable that they are in a safe and welcoming environment where they can learn. I also want to build positive relationships with my students, parents, co-teachers, and administration. I truly want to help make an impact and help students succeed in their academic journey through interactive activities that promote creativity, curiosity, and new learning experiences and opportunities.
Goals & Aspirations: My upcoming goal for the future includes getting accepted into Clemson's Teacher Residency Program! Therefore I plan to graduate with both my Bachelor's and Master's degree from Clemson. After that, I would love to become a Kindergarten teacher who is well respected and is able to make a difference in my future students lives. I strive to show my passion for teaching and let my future students and parents know that I truly care for them and their child!
Maddie Pratt
Major:Early Childhood Education
Minor:Athletic Leadership
Hometown:Anderson, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I want to provide a safe place for students and encourage students when they need someone the most!!
Goals & Aspirations:I want to become a kindergarten teacher and a volleyball coach!
Maddie Reeves
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Anderson, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach so that I can not only inspire and influence the new generation, but be the love that they might not get. Getting the chance to grow their minds and their hearts sounds like a no brainer to me!
Goals & Aspirations:I plan to stay at Clemson and obtain my Masters. I then plan to go teach in a Title 1 school in South Carolina. I will eventually go back to school and get a degree in Speech Pathology!
Sami Rosi
Major:Special Education
Hometown:Florence, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach special education specifically because I want to be able to make a difference in students' lives. I want to let them know that they are important and cared for and have the right to the same education as their peers. My brother actually inspired me to become a special education teacher as he has autism. I have seen the ways in which school has failed to provide him with an adequate education and I want to change that.
Goals & Aspirations:My goal is to create inclusive environments for all students. I want to share my love for education with all students and get them passionate about something that I am passionate about.
Diane Schott
Major:Secondary Education and English
Hometown:Madison, AL
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I have had some amazing teachers in my life that have made a large impact on me. Some of my teachers have given me so much support in times of struggle, and I want to be that teacher for another student. I have also had some very impactful English classes that have evoked some great discussion from all walks of life, and I want to be a part in facilitating impactful conversations amongst young minds.
Goals & Aspirations:I plan on doing the fifth year masters program that Clemson offers and then begin in the classroom. I have not decided where I would like to teach yet, but I would potentially stay in South Carolina or more elsewhere. I plan to teach high school English for grades ninth or twelfth.
Coker Berry Streett
Major:Elementary Education
Hometown:Pawleys Island, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to be a teacher so that I can provide a safe place and loving environment for all students, as well as help them grow into the best versions of themselves.
Goals & Aspirations:My goal is to make school a place where students want to come to learn and be themselves. I want to be a guiding hand leading them to a better future.
Caroline Summers
Major:Middle Level Education with an emphasis on Social Studies and English
Hometown:Chapin, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because being a summer camp counselor has given me a unique perspective into the minds of kids along with their development. Every interaction with kids can become a positive or negative impact, and as an educator, I want to create as many positive experiences for students as possible. I love being able to help people, and helping students find success in and out of the classroom has always been something I see myself doing.
Goals & Aspirations:I have always known I wanted to be a teacher in some sort of way. Learning about the different positions in every school, led me to be interested in School Psychology. After graduation, I plan on earning my Education Specialist in School Psychology, and then working at a public school somewhere in South Carolina.
Emily Tomlinson
Major:Secondary History Education
Hometown:Anderson, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I have had so many amazing teachers! I have always wanted to become that role model for my future students!! I also have a love for history so teaching it has always been my dream!
Goals & Aspirations:I want to graduate with my bachelors by May 2025. I’d like to be a part of the residency program to get my masters the next year as well!
Bekah Venezia
Major:Secondary Education English/ Creative Writing
Hometown:Brick, NJ
Why I want to teach:I have a love for English and I want to spread that love!
Goals & Aspirations:My goal is to help someone that does not like reading, and teach them how to love reading.
Bella Vesely
Major:Special Education
Minor:Psychology
Hometown:Charleston, SC
Why I want to teach:I want to provide students with a comforting and welcoming role model as they go through their education journey. Growing up, I have always admired teachers that truly care about their students and their unique learning process and that is the feeling and effort I want to provide to other students! Also, as I have gotten further into my major, I have learned just how different every student is and how every student learns at a different pace and in a different way. Because of this, I want to use the resources I have been exposed to from Clemson's College of Education and put my best foot forward to help students feel included and valued.
Goals & Aspirations:I am hoping to go to grad school to become a Speech-Pathologist after graduating from Clemson. I want to work in Speech Pathology so I can work in the school and with individual students to assess and treat students who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. With that said, I do want to stay in the school setting, but am open to possibly helping in hospitals or privately. I want to have the best impact on students that I am able to and I believe this is how I can do that!
Davez Winters
Major:Secondary Education History
Hometown:Florence, SC
Why I want to teach:My main objective in teaching is to inspire students. The most important job of a teacher goes deeper than teaching students whatever is in the standards for their subject. A teacher should strive to give students real world skills, and support them in what they want to do in the future. I believe that by the end of a teacher’s tenure with their students, the students should not only look at a teacher as an educator, but also as someone to look up to.
Goals & Aspirations:My first goal is to provide support. This is one of the most important jobs of a teacher, as all students should feel equally provided for. My second goal is to inspire. Students should feel that they can become whatever they strive to be through hard work. My final goal is of course to educate. Every student that walks into a classroom should leave everyday with new information, whether it be from the curriculum, or real world skills.
Paris Yoshida
Major:Secondary Social Studies Education
Minor:Psychology
Hometown:Virginia Beach, VA
Why I want to teach:I want to teach because I believe that everyone deserves to be invested in.
Goals & Aspirations:I want to be a mentor for each student that walks into my classroom. Of course, I would love to be an educational resource, but more importantly, I want to be someone my students can trust with any issue that may come their way.
