What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Upon graduation, I鈥檓 excited to begin my teaching journey in a Muskingum or Coshocton County school, where I can really get to know the community and its wonderful families. Above all, my goal is to create a welcoming space where curiosity is encouraged, questions are celebrated, and every student feels confident to take risks and discover their own love of learning.
What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Zanesville - that point where you said to yourself, 鈥淚鈥檝e got this!鈥?
My 鈥渁h-ha鈥 moment at OHIO Zanesville came during my field placement at Ridgewood Middle School. I was leading a math lesson I had worked hard to plan, and as I taught, I could see the students actively engaged, responding, and truly understanding the material. After the lesson, my mentor teacher pulled me aside and told me how impressed she was not just with the content, but with how I connected with the students and managed the classroom with confidence. That reassurance meant everything to me. In that moment, I realized I wasn鈥檛 just preparing to be a teacher, I was ready. It was the first time I truly felt, 鈥淚鈥檝e got this,鈥 and it confirmed I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Why did you choose OHIO Zanesville?
I wanted a program where professors knew me by name and class sizes were small enough to allow real, one-on-one assistance. OHIO Zanesville offered that personal attention, plus strong ties to local schools, so I could start building experience on day one.
Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Throughout my time at OHIO Zanesville, Dr. Lisy, Dr. Peasley, and Professor Kelnhofer have been unwavering pillars of support, always making themselves available for questions, encouragement, and guidance for every education student. Whether it was a quick check-in after class, an impromptu office-hour brainstorming session, or simply a reassuring word when we felt overwhelmed, they consistently went above and beyond to ensure we felt seen, heard, and equipped to succeed. Their genuine dedication to our growth not only strengthened our confidence as future teachers but also created a caring community where every student knew they had mentors they could rely on at every step of their educational journey.
What was the hardest obstacle or challenge you had to overcome during your time as a student at OHIO Zanesville? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
One of the toughest challenges I faced at OHIO Zanesville was juggling a full course load alongside my field placement at Ridgewood Middle School, there were mornings when I was co-teaching a 4th-grade math lesson and afternoons racing back to campus for evening seminars. To stay on top of everything, I created a detailed weekly schedule that blocked out time for lesson planning, commuting, and focused study sessions, while still carving out breaks for rest and recharge. By combining disciplined planning, peer collaboration, and intentional downtime, I turned what initially felt like an uphill battle into a powerful learning experience that sharpened both my organizational skills and my resilience.
What are your favorite OHIO Zanesville memories?
Some of my fondest memories at OHIO Zanesville center on helping future students feel welcome through Student Services, whether giving campus tours or sharing my own experiences. Also forming lifelong friendships over coffee runs and cheering one another on at events, and jumping into campus life by staffing open houses, serving on student organization committees, and volunteering at community outreach days. These experiences not only deepened my pride in the Bobcat community but also gave me a sense of belonging and purpose that I鈥檒l carry with me beyond graduation.
What鈥檚 the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Zanesville student not to miss?
Don鈥檛 miss the Spring and Fall Fests on the Campus Green, these seasonal celebrations bring the whole OHIO Zanesville community together with food trucks, live music, student-organization booths, lawn games, and giveaways. Whether you鈥檙e grabbing a bite with new friends under the sunshine in April or cozying up with hot cider and hayrides in September, these fests are the perfect way to explore campus life, discover clubs you鈥檒l love, and make memories that last well beyond your first year.
