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#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Wanted to Become a Teacher to Advocate for Introverted Students and Teachers,’ Says Elementary Education Student Nicole Renwick ‘20

This is part of a monthly “Why I Chose Education” series in which NC State College of Education alumni, students, faculty and staff share why they chose education.

From the moment Nicole Renwick ‘20 stepped foot on NC State University’s campus as a high school student, she could see herself there. The genuine connection she made with the students and the welcoming atmosphere sold her. But it was her experience at the NC State College of Education’s admitted student event that solidified her decision.

“I chose the NC State College of Education because of the Think and Do mentality,” she said. “I noticed that the College of Education incorporates the Think and Do mentality by providing students with opportunities to engage in new experiences and apply what they are learning outside of the classroom beginning as early as their freshman year.”

As a senior elementary education major who will graduate this May, Renwick plans to teach in a North Carolina public school, preferably in grades K-2. Ten years from now, she hopes to continue teaching while coaching Girls on the Run in the evenings and pursuing her love of summer camp as a camp director in the summers. She also hopes to become a literacy coach one day because teaching literacy is her passion.

When Renwick isn’t studying and preparing to be an educator, she enjoys running, scrapbooking, photography, taking day trips to the beach and working at YMCA summer camps. She shares why she chose education, how education shaped her and what she enjoys most about being in the NC State College of Education.

Why I Chose Education: I wanted to become a teacher because I want to advocate for introverted students and teachers. In today’s classrooms, oftentimes these students and teachers can get overwhelmed and burnt out because of the push to be loud, dance and collaborate with others. While all of these experiences are valuable to students, these students and teachers also need quiet time and independent work to recharge and be their best selves to learn and teach in the classroom.

Why I Chose the NC State College of Education: I chose the NC State College of Education because of the Think and Do mentality I experienced when I came on campus to an admitted student event for the College of Education. During this event, METRC provided opportunities for students to interact with educational technology we had never experienced in our K-12 schooling. Additionally, a current College of Education student spoke about her experience. I noticed that the College of Education incorporates the Think and Do mentality by providing students with opportunities to engage in new experiences and apply what they are learning outside of the classroom beginning as early as their freshman year.

How Education Has Shaped Me: Education has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone. I’ve become more comfortable speaking in front of others, I’ve been encouraged to interact with those who are different from me and I’ve engaged in new experiences, which can be difficult for someone who enjoys the status quo. I hope to encourage my students to step outside of the comfort zone, the same way education encouraged that for me.

What I Enjoy Most About Being Part of the NC State College of Education: My favorite part about the NC State College of Education is the people. It feels like a family! You can never walk into the advising office without being greeted with a huge smile from people who genuinely care about the well being of their students. Additionally, our professors within the elementary education program frequently eat lunch with us. This provides a valuable time with professors to get to them outside of the classroom and ask any questions you may have about the class or teaching. They all have unique experiences to share with students.

An Experience with the College of Education that Changed Me: Through my experience in the College of Education, I have become more confident in speaking in front of others, learned professional development skills and I have become a leader among my peers. Being a student ambassador has changed me. I have had opportunities to interact with large College of Education donors, escort distinguished guests at college-wide events, and speak on panels at admitted student events.