Don Bui ’22: ‘Through the College of Education, I’ve Been Able to Become a Stronger and More Passionate Individual Who is Ready to Start Working in Both the Education and Digital Media Field’

Don Bui ’22 has always had interest in STEM, specifically digital media. That’s what drew him to the NC State College of Education’s technology, engineering, and design education program. 

In his classes, he gained hands-on experience that allowed him to express his creativity, while also engaging in field experiences that helped him understand what goes into being a successful educator. Now, he’s working on earning his teaching license and looking forward to a future career in digital media and education.

Learn more about Don Bui

Hometown: Cary, North Carolina

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Technology, Engineering, and Design Education 

Activities (Research or Extracurricular): Editor in chief at the Agromeck, NC State University’s NC State’s official yearbook

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose the NC State College of Education because I have always enjoyed being someone who could help uplift and help other people. Growing up, I always valued education, and I hope to inspire the younger generation in finding their passion in whatever field they go into post-education. As someone who has always enjoyed STEM, the NC State College of Education seemed like the perfect fit with the university’s emphasis on STEM.

Why did you choose your area of study?

I choose this area of study because I have always liked STEM, specifically digital media. I have always enjoyed graphic design and being able to help out and teach people these skills is something that I am passionate about. 

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

After graduation, I hope to earn my teaching license in technology education. I submitted by edTPA, and I am planning to take the Praxis soon. Once I accomplish both of them, I’ll be eligible for my license, which I hope will be the goal after graduation.

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

The next step for me is going out and job searching! I want to first look for a job in an industry related to digital media to continue building my skills as a graphic designer. After a few years in the industry, I hope to teach a digital media class and use the skills I learned to help teach and inspire my students who might be interested in the digital media field. 

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

The College of Education has helped prepare me to become the person I am today in so many ways. Through the field experiences the college has provided, I was able to work hands-on with students and understand the challenges and expectations it takes to become a teacher. Working with my professors has also been wonderful, as they’ve taught me and given me great advice on being a successful teacher. Through the College of Education, I’ve been able to become a stronger and more passionate individual who is ready to start working in both the education and digital media field.

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

My favorite memory would be working with the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA), in which we did Soups & Sandwiches as a way to fundraise money for our club. 

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

The experience that had the biggest impact on me during my time with the College of Education was during my freshman year when I took TDE 110. At that time, I was very unsure if Technology, Engineering, and Design Education was the right place for me. In that class, it allowed me the opportunity to be more hands-on with what we were working on, and it allowed me to express my creativity in what I wanted to do. After taking the class, it definitely solidified my decision that the College of Education was the right place for me, and that it was what I wanted to do as a career. 

Why did you choose education? 

I chose education because I have always valued education growing up. The teachers I had growing up have shaped me into the person I am today, and I hope as an incoming educator, I can also be the one to help educate and inspire the younger generation.