#WhyIChoseEducation: Sarah Payne

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: Sarah Payne
Graduation Year: 2008
Program: Elementary Education
School: 4th Grade Teacher, Abbotts Creek Elementary School (Raleigh, N.C.)

Why did you enter the field of education?
Each day I am responsible for providing my students with a positive learning environment where they feel welcome and loved. Throughout the day, I teach Social Studies, Science, Math, Reading and Writing and encourage all students to do their best and be the best person they can be. I have always wanted to be a teacher. I feel like it’s my purpose and gift to serve others in the classroom by teaching them how to read, write, and solve problems of all types. Most of all, I chose to be a teacher because I believe all students can learn and I long to be the one that helps them attain their personal goals. Overall, I strive to provide each child with a feeling of belonging in our school by establishing a personal connection with them as I encourage them along the way in their education journey.

Why did you choose to earn your degree from the NC State College of Education?
I grew up going to NC State games, singing the fight song and wearing red and white to represent the Wolfpack. I was excited to learn about the establishment of the Elementary Education department in 2006 so I could continue the NC State legacy in my family. After transferring to NC State Education in the middle of my sophomore year, I was proud to be a part of the first class to graduate from the department.