#WhyIChoseEducation: Jessica Avery

As part of Celebrating 90 Years of NC State Education, we asked you to share your stories of why you chose education and why you love the NC State College of Education. Below is one of the many stories we received demonstrating how we’re leading the way in education in North Carolina and beyond.

Name: Jessica Avery
Graduation Year: 2004
Program: Middle Grades English Language Arts & Social Studies Education (TELS)
School: North Pitt High School; Assistant Principal

Why did you enter the field of education?
Growing up, I craved knowledge. I wanted to read everything, try out everything, learn everything. When my classmates were reading fiction, I remember reading biographies about the Kennedy family. As I matriculated through school, I had countless teachers who shaped me. I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students like my teachers made in mine.

Because I loved reading, teaching English was my first choice. When I walked into my first classroom I learned quickly that as much as I loved English, I loved my kids more. Creating relationships helped to cultivate learning.

Why did you choose to earn your degree from the NC State College of Education?
The moment I stepped on campus at NC State it felt like home. Once I received my acceptance letter there was no question where I would spend my next four years.