People of Poe | Kay Sumpter on Choosing NC State Education

Kyanna Sumpter, also known as Kay, began her first year at the NC State College of Education on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018. As a member of the Goodnight Scholars Program, Sumpter comes to the college from Lee County High School and plans to major in Elementary Education. Sumpter talks about her goals for her undergraduate studies, why she is passionate about education, and how the NC State College of Education will set her up for success as an educator.

[spotlight-box img=”12112″ heading=”People of Poe” cta=”Meet Our People” url=”https://ced.ncsu.edu/news-new/news/people-of-poe/”]This feature is part of a series of conversations with students, faculty, staff and alumni of the College of Education about why they chose education and how the college is helping them make a difference in the lives of others.[/spotlight-box]

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose NC State’s College of Education because it felt like home. When I first visited the campus and met with the faculty and staff, they were all so nice and welcoming. They really showed me that they cared about my goals and helping me become a teacher. I knew from the start I wanted to be a part of this caring and supportive college.

What are you most excited about attending NC State?

I am most excited about attending NC State because of the friends I will grow close with that also have the same interests as me. I think closer bonds can be made with people who share a lot of interests with you. I am also excited to form many connections through networking. I know there will be so many opportunities throughout my four years that will help me in the future.

Why do you want to be an educator?

I want to be an educator to impact children’s lives in the best way possible. I want to be there to give them something that they will hold onto forever: an education. An educator has such a huge influence on one’s life. I want to be an educator who leaves a positive impact on my students.

[spotlight-box label=”” img=”” heading=”Goodnight Scholars Program” cta=”” url=””]The Goodnight Scholars Program invests in students from low- and middle-income families in North Carolina studying in STEM or STEM education disciplines. The program is an investment into a student’s untapped potential and sets an expectation for scholars to participate in various professional, service and social programming.

The NC State College of Education stands as North Carolina’s largest supplier of STEM educators and offers the only STEM-focused elementary school teacher preparation program in the state. [/spotlight-box]

How has education impacted your life?

Education has impacted my life in so many ways. One way that I feel it has impacted my life is showing me that I can achieve anything I go for. Some of my achievements would include: passing a test that I studied hard for or graduating after working so hard in school from kindergarten all the way to senior year. Education has really shown me that any goal can be reached through determination and hard work.

What do you hope your future students learn from you when you’re in the classroom?

In my future classroom, I hope that students will learn that they are capable of doing anything to which they set their minds. I hope they can see that they are our future and to never give up. I want for my students to learn that mistakes help you learn more. Overall, I just want to show kids that they are capable of doing so much.