Why I Give: ‘The College Gives Me Endless Support and Resources to Become the Educator I Want to Be,’ Says Goodnight Scholar Kyanna “Kay” Sumpter ‘22

Editor’s Note: This is part of a monthly “Why I Give” series in which NC State College of Education alumni, students, faculty and staff share why they support the college.

This summer, as part of the first cohort of the NC State College of Education’s Global Educators Program, Kyanna “Kay” Sumpter ‘22 will study abroad in Kenya, where she will observe and collaborate with teachers and students in both primary and secondary schools. As a Global Educator, Sumpter serves as an extension of the college’s global programs office and earns funding that can be applied toward study abroad costs and fees.

Without financial support, Sumpter says, she would not be able to have the opportunity to study abroad, which will help provide her with a broader global perspective and understanding that she can use in her future classrooms. 

In fact, Sumpter adds, if it weren’t for financial support, she probably would not be able to attend NC State and prepare to become an elementary education teacher with dual licensure in special education. 

“Without the Goodnight Scholarship, I am not sure I would be attending NC State. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity,” she says. 

The support Sumpter has received has inspired her to give back to the College of Education to help other students have similar experiences and opportunities. A sophomore from Sanford, N.C., Sumpter is an NC State College of Education student ambassador, serves on the Education Council’s executive board and is part of Passport to Success, an academic enrichment and student engagement program within the college. 

In the Q&A below, Sumpter talks about why she’s preparing to become a teacher, why she supports the college and how financial support has impacted her experience. The following is edited for length and clarity.

[giving-form heading=’Support Educators’ align=’right’ submit_to=’https://give.ncsu.edu/education’ cta=’Make a Gift Today’]

As a student, Kay gives to the NC State College of Education because of the endless support and resources the college has given her to help her become the best educator she can be. Join Kay in her support of the college and help us prepare more extraordinary educators like her.

[/giving-form]

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I want to be a teacher to be able to give students something no one can ever take away from them. I have always loved to be a leader in the classroom and as a teacher, I will be able to do that every day.

Why did you choose to attend NC State?

I chose to attend NC State because of the College of Education. I loved how supportive the college was and how they welcomed me. The advisors have shown me that they truly love their job and helping others.

Why do you give to the NC State College of Education?

I give to the NC State College of Education because it gives to me. The college gives me endless support and resources to become the educator I want to be.

I know that my donations will benefit students throughout the college. I know that these students will go on to be amazing teachers and people in society. Knowing that I can have such a big impact on the future by simply giving gives me so much happiness.

What do you hope to see happen as a result of your gifts?

I hope to see more financial support for students who want to study abroad. I hope that students are able to gain more cultural awareness and use this awareness in their future classrooms.

Why do you feel it’s important to give back?

I think it is important to give because that is the main reason I am here. I am a part of the Goodnight Scholars Program on campus. Not only does this program give me the chance to grow as a person, but it also helps me financially. Without the Goodnight Scholarship, I am not sure I would be attending NC State. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity.

How has private support impacted your experience?

Scholarships have given me the opportunity to attend NC State. I have also had the chance to apply for scholarships across campus to enrich my experiences on campus. I have become a part of the first cohort of the Global Educators Program in the College of Education. This program will give me the opportunity to study abroad with financial support and also tell others about my study abroad experiences.