Meet Nikki Hooks ‘20MAT: ‘I Wanted to Have an Impact on the Next Generation and Help Them Become Lifelong Learners’

This is part of a series of profiles on students who are graduating in December 2020.

Earning a Teaching Fellows scholarship is one of the things that attracted Nikki Hooks ‘20MAT to the NC State College of Education, but her experiences with student teaching and her ability to present at a conference as part of her methodology class are moments she will never forget.

Learn more about Nikki Hooks.

Hometown: Apex, North Carolina

Area of Study: MAT in Secondary Science

Activities (Research or Extracurricular): Volunteer with youth at my church and recreational adult soccer

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

It was close to home and offered a Teaching Fellows scholarship.

Why did you choose your area of study?

I have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and have always loved science.

What do you hope to accomplish in your field after graduation? 

I want to be an effective, impactful high school teacher.

What’s your next step? What do you have planned after graduation? 

I will work as a science teacher at Athens Drive High School

How has the College of Education prepared you for that next step?

It has given me access to student teaching and a great education to prepare me for my career.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the College of Education? 

My favorite memory was student teaching at Heritage High School.

Tell us about an experience you had with the College of Education that had the biggest impact on you or your career. 

Last year, my methodology class went to the North Carolina Science Teachers Association conference in Winston-Salem and it was very impactful to present at an anchoring event and learn from other teachers as well. It was a great experience.

Why did you choose education?

I wanted to have an impact on the next generation and help them become lifelong learners.