This is part of a “Meet Our Incoming Students” series in which the College of Education will introduce some of its first-year, transfer and graduate students who will join us this fall.
This fall, the NC State College of Education will welcome over an expected 580 first-year, transfer and graduate students for the 2021-22 academic year. Among the expected 197 incoming undergraduate students, 10 are recipients of the new Dean’s Excellence Scholarships.
College of Education Dean Mary Ann Danowitz, D.Ed., established this year the Dean’s Excellence Scholarships, which are supported by gifts to the College of Education’s Excellence Fund, to provide $40,000 over four years to one incoming student and $20,000 over four years to eight incoming students and one transfer student. These students will also receive a $1,000 study abroad stipend and $2,000 in professional development.
Meet four of this year’s new Dean’s Excellence Scholarships recipients, who share why they chose the NC State College of Education, why they chose education and what they are most looking forward to this academic year.
Carla Gibson
Belmont, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: A few hobbies and interests of mine are reading, hanging out with my friends, watching movies, cooking and baking.
Why did you choose NC State University?
I chose NC State because of all the different opportunities that the school has to offer. One of the main reasons why I chose NC State was due to having the chance of being a part of SAY Village and getting the chance to be a mentor and lend a helping hand to someone else. Another reason why I chose NC State is due to their amazing teaching programs.
What attracted you to the NC State College of Education?
After being a part of the NC State College of Education’s Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT), I have been attracted to the NC State College of Education. Getting the chance to listen to and talk with fellow students from the college and hearing about their experiences and how supportive the teachers and staff are here, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this amazing college.
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship?
Receiving the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship is a great honor to me. For me, receiving this scholarship makes me feel like I have something to offer to the College of Education. When I received the call from Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Community Engagement Anona Smith Williams, I was shocked, surprised and honored to be even considered for such an amazing scholarship.
How will being the recipient of this scholarship impact your college experience?
Being a recipient of the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship will impact my college experience in a positive way. It gives me a goal to work towards, as it will keep me motivated to work hard throughout my time in college, but to also have fun at the same time.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I like to give a lending hand when and where I can. For me, I want to make a difference in a kid’s life if I can through teaching. I want to be able to give them a chance to grow as a student and a person, which is one of the reasons why I want to become a teacher.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
The biggest thing I am looking forward to in my first year at NC State is joining clubs and making new friendships, but also getting the chance to explore new things that NC State has to offer.
Why did you choose your major or area of study?
I have always liked working with kids, and I wanted to have a career working with children. But I also wanted a career where I can help others. So choosing to major in elementary education seems like the right fit for me.
Why did you choose education?
I chose to major in education because I love to learn. Being able to work in an environment where everyone is learning and sharing new things is something I enjoy. I also chose education due to wanting to make an impact on the lives of the kids I will be teaching, as one day I will be teaching and making an impact on one of the next generation’s lives.
Andreas Jordan
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Technology, Engineering, and Design Education
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy graphic design, DIY projects and volunteering at church.
Why did you choose NC State University?
I chose NC State because of the academic opportunities and amazing campus atmosphere.
What attracted you to the NC State College of Education?
I was attracted to the College of Education by the personable relationships and experiences with staff and current students. I truly felt like I was a part of the family.
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship?
Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to see that hard work truly pays off. I really didn’t expect to be afforded an opportunity to receive a scholarship in this capacity and when I got the call that I was chosen, I gained more self motivation. It also shows that I have a strong support system that I will be able to access during my duration at NC State to allow me to prepare to become an extraordinary educator. It feels amazing and supported to be named a Dean’s Excellence Scholarship recipient. To know that people can see a bright future for me as a teacher motivates me.
How will being the recipient of this scholarship impact your college experience?
As a recipient, I know that I will be able to receive rewarding experiences with College of Education faculty/staff and will be able to become a strong and knowledgeable educator, and I won’t have to stress about not having enough money to pay for my education.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to become a teacher because I’ve seen how much of an impact my teachers (primarily my teachers of color) had on me and I wanted to provide that same support and impact to students in the future.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to building relationships in the Wolfpack community and trying new things.
Why did you choose your major or area of study?
I chose technology, engineering, and design education because I was able to bring my love for education and technology together in one unique major.
Why did you choose education?
I chose education because I have a heart for guiding and supporting others and through education, I can be a resource and positive role model for students and the community.
Anyah Moore
Charlotte, North Carolina
Elementary Education with Special Education Dual Licensure
Hobbies and Interests: Being with family, tutoring around the neighborhood and shopping
Why did you choose NC State University?
NC State has one of the best education programs in the state and provided me with the most financial support.
What attracted you to the NC State College of Education?
The huge campus and family feeling.
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship?
I am extremely honored and proud to have received the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship. It showed me that my disorder cannot limit me and that I can do anything that I put my mind to. To know that the dean hand-picked me to be one of the scholars out of the thousands of applications, makes me feel extremely blessed and honored.
How will being the recipient of this scholarship impact your college experience?
Being a scholarship recipient going into college makes me want to work even harder to be sure I keep this amazing title. It also makes me want to help others get the chance to receive this amazing scholarship.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always loved children. In elementary school, I remember going to class early just so I could help my teachers in any way.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Making new memories.
Why did you choose your major or area of study?
I love elementary school. There are so many opportunities for creativity and I love that I’ll be able to watch my students grow.
Why did you choose education?
I think there are not enough teachers in the world who truly wanna teach and help kids.
Maia Grace Solomon
Apex, North Carolina
Middle Grades Mathematics Education
Hobbies and Interests: Traveling, videography, photography, doing hair and shopping
Why did you choose NC State University?
I chose NC State University because I love the sense of community that is present on campus. I’ve always felt welcomed during every NC State camp that I participated in. I also had the honor of being a part of the Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT), which allowed me to see how great the College of Education is and made me want to be a part of it.
What attracted you to the NC State College of Education?
The amount of support that you receive through the College of Education attracted me the most. I discovered that there are a plethora of resources available to me as a student that would help me to become the most equipped educator. Also, the Program Manager for Strategic Outreach and Special Initiatives Whitney White and Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Community Engagement Anona Smith Williams’ love and support through the LIFT program attracted me to the College of Education as well.
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship?
It’s truly an honor to be included in the first cohort of the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship. I’m extremely thankful for these funds to continue my education at such a great institution like NC State. This scholarship relieves the financial burden that many college students face and I am eternally grateful to be chosen as a recipient. I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of a phenomenal group of students who share the same love and passion for education.
How will being the recipient of this scholarship impact your college experience?
I know that my college experience will be positively impacted by this scholarship. Being able to connect with the other students who received this scholarship, will bring me a great sense of community that I value greatly. I know I will have a group of peers, alongside adults, that I can turn to for help, reassurance and safety during a pivotal time in my life.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I had a fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Garcia, who made me feel so loved and supported in her classroom. She welcomed every one of her students and treated us like we were her own children. Her impact on myself and my classmates inspired me to become a teacher. I want to create this same environment for students of my own.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
This year, I am looking forward to engaging with my fellow classmates through various social events, learning more about how to become an effective and engaging teacher and exploring campus and the surrounding areas.
Why did you choose your major or area of study?
I chose math education because I have a love for math. There can often be a negative stigma around math because of its level of difficulty for some students, but I want to be a teacher that makes math class exciting and engaging for all of my students.
Why did you choose education?
Teachers have such a great impact on children since they spend so much of their time in school. I want to be a part of this positive impact and educate the future generation the best that I can.
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