Hi! I'm Katie Cole, or you can call me Ms. Cole these days. Even though I haven't been around campus much this semester, I've been diving into something else I'm passionate about as I student-teach at Flanagan-Cornell High School.
When I started student teaching, I felt torn about leaving behind the fun of college life and my family's support. But on those tough days, I had to remind myself why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place. I picked agricultural education because of the amazing teachers who showed me why agriculture matters, even though I didn't grow up in that world. Their impact on me inspired me to want to do the same for others.
Looking back on what got me excited about teaching, I remember the times I spent as chair of ag in the classroom and later as membership director in Sigma Alpha. In Sigma Alpha, I got to know membership candidates on a personal level before anyone else did. Those connections we formed have stayed with me and made my time in Sigma Alpha really special.
And now, in student teaching, I've been able to build similar bonds with students. Those relationships have not only helped me become a better teacher but have also helped my students learn important skills like being smart consumers and stepping up as leaders.
Overall, my different teaching experiences have shown me where I belong. As I get ready to graduate from the University of Illinois this May, I feel grateful for the journey I've been on and excited for what's next.
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