#WhyIChoseEducation: Monica Smith

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: Monica Smith
Graduation Year: Class of 2020
Department/Program: Elementary and ESL Education
Career Role & Responsibilities: I currently work at Wake County Public Schools as a substitute teacher and at Peak City Sitters as a childcare provider. I also volunteer for the College of Education at NC State. (Not yet graduated)

Why did you enter the field of education?
I entered the field of education mainly because of the students I worked with in YMCA outreach programs while I was in high school. I wanted to be able to give something back to my community and what better way than with education? I believe education is one of the most important stepping stones when it comes to building a better life.

Why did you choose to earn your degree from the NC State College of Education?
I chose to earn my degree from the NC State College of Education because we are #1 in the state, have a STEM concentration, have the ESL add-on license program, and I’ve been a Wolfpack fan since I was a kid!