Masks. Hybrid learning. Physical distancing. Testing. The fall 2020 semester is kicking off — and at UW–Madison, it won’t be like any semester that’s come before. However, our School of Education students are just as bright, driven, and inspiring as always. Seventeen students shared their thoughts with us on majors, going to college amid COVID-19, what they are excited about this semester, and future plans.
Bo Blocker
Special Education (MS)
“After graduation, I will be looking for opportunities as a special education teacher in my hometown of Beloit, Wisconsin. I want to be a part of the community where I grew up, contribute to the advancement of special education services, and advocate for change in societal perceptions, striving for a more inclusive society.”
Gabriel De Los Reyes
Educational Psychology (MS)
“I feel grateful to be a Badger again and excited to be able to virtually connect with other grad students. … My focus (this semester) will be on creating a stable distance learning schedule as a professional educator.”
Ryan Disch
Kinesiology (BS)
“In high school, I always enjoyed teaching, and I was extremely interested in learning about human anatomy. I shadowed an athletic trainer and really enjoyed that experience. Kinesiology encapsulates those interests. My plan is to go to grad school for physical therapy.”
Lauren Farrington
Theatre and Drama (BS)
“I love theatre. I want to be able to make an impact on people and help them deal with life. Theatre is a way to get away from all the craziness for a few hours and be entertained, and I want to help make that possible.”
Scott Fischer
Educational Psychology (MS)
“As a student in the MSPE program, I feel confident and am excited at the possibilities to continue my studies. As an educator in the classroom, I am nervous, as our students are unaccustomed to online learning. That being said, I am also hopeful as our students continue to display an incredible amount of resilience during these challenging times.”
Mason Her
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MS)
“My career plans after graduation are to obtain my licensure as a professional counselor and open my own clinic specialized in substance and alcohol abuse/career counseling for the Hmong community.”
Nallely Hernandez
Educational Psychology (MS)
“I have been living and teaching in South Korea for the past three years. Working with staff members here led me to enroll in the (online) MSPE program, since it allows me to continue working in South Korea, while being able to continue my education in the hopes of working as an administrator.”
Joonwoo Lee
Counseling Psychology (PhD)
“I hope to become a counseling psychologist who particularly focuses on serving the LGBTQIA+ population through research and practice. Until today, the LGBTQIA+ population is significantly underserved and misunderstood in South Korea. I hope to provide the population with accessible mental health resources.”
Alexus Lor
Elementary Education (BSE)
“During the fall 2020 semester, my main priority is getting used to my hybrid schedule of both in-person and online classes. Then, I will be prioritizing a new student organization my group and I co-founded called ‘Diverse Leaders in Education.’ Its purpose will be to help and support students of color develop effective and essential leadership skills to prepare for the field of education after their undergrad and beyond.”
Jian “MJ” Mao
Education Studies and International Studies (BS)
“Being an international student with my unique cross-cultural educational experience in both China and America, I have always hoped to explore the concepts and disciplines of global education, relate that to my own experience, and understand its educational and social context linking to the larger world.”
Jordan Mickey
Education Studies (BS)
“I enjoy studying the impact that policy has on education and other spheres of someone’s life. … This semester, I am interested in researching and following the way school districts and universities responded to the pandemic.”
Claire Minor
Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (MS)
“I feel that my time in the Global Higher Ed program will allow me to learn more about the world around me and gain insight on how to be the most well-rounded student, team-member, mentor, leader, and person possible.”
Kory Pucker
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MS)
“Throughout my undergrad years, I worked at several summer camps that specialized in innovative recreational opportunities in an accessible environment for individuals with varying abilities. Throughout my collected experiences at camp, I learned the value of all that is right in this world: patience, understanding, compassion, respect, and love. I saw the best, brightest, and most beautiful sides of humanity. It was at camp that I found an interest in the profession of healing.”
Madison Sherman
Art Education (BS)
“I’ve been working as an art teacher locally for the past two years and realized that I have a passion for it. Art education is a really interesting major to me, and I know that I can continue on to do many things with it.”
Abby Trefilek
Educational Psychology (MS)
“I currently live in Madison, so I enjoy being able to work on my classwork on campus and spend some time down at the Union Terrace! Academically, I enjoy being able to work with professors who have published some of the research we are reading and who are actively involved in the community I live in.”
Brooke Villella
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MS)
“This will be my first semester as a graduate student, which I never thought I would be able to say. … A long-term goal is to create a rehabilitation center that focuses on all aspects of mind and body for military members and their families.”
Michael Weaver
Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (MS)
“Going into the fall semester, there are many emotions that I and other students are feeling. Nervous, overwhelmed, and unsure are just some of the emotions, but most of all, the feeling of excitement takes over all the negative feelings. I am confident that this will be one of the best semesters for all students in regard to innovation and creativity.”