What is your major and why did you choose UMD? 

Integrated Elementary and Special Education (IESE). I choose UMD for its connections to nature and the supportive community.

What do you like most about your program?

 There are countless things that I love about my program. Academically, I love all the time I spend in the field engaged in hands-on learning. I also love the cohort model where I learn with the same group of students for most of my time at UMD, we’ve been through thick and thin together sharing in the highs of icecream trips and our lowest of lows struggling to make it through the day. Lastly, I greatly appreciate the fantastic team of professors in the education department. They have helped me to grow not only as a professional but as an individual as well.

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD so far?

This is challenging as there have been so many incredible experiences and memories from my time at UMD. Academically, any of the times when I was engaged in deep thinking through either discussions or hands-on learning have been quite impactful. Personally, the times when my professors and other staff took the time to really connect with me and make sure I knew that they were looking out for me. These personal touches have gone so much farther than I know how to express, they have literally turned entire days and even weeks around for me and I am forever grateful.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

As many of my classmates and professors know, I love to bake. I especially enjoy baking cookies and sharing them with those around me, but recently I have been enjoying baking bread too.