Goodnight Scholar McKenna Sink: ‘I Hope to Convey My Passion for Math to Students and Help Them Realize that Math Can Be Applicable to Everyday Life’

This is part of a “Meet Our Incoming Students” series in which the College of Education will introduce some of the first-year, transfer and graduate students who will join us this fall.

McKenna Sink, who will join the NC State College of Education this fall as part of the Goodnight Scholars Program’s incoming Class of 2028, is excited to share her passion for mathematics with middle school students. Over the next four years, her goal is to grow into a strong STEM educator while also taking part in everything NC State has to offer — including the Krispy Kreme challenge.

The Goodnight Scholars Program — established in 2008 by NC State alumni Dr. Jim and Mrs. Ann Goodnight — provides North Carolina residents from low- and middle-income families interested in studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or STEM education with a scholarship valued at $19,500. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years for first-year students and up to two years for transfer students.

Meet McKenna:

Hometown: Mocksville, North Carolina

Major: Mathematics Education

Hobbies and Interests: I am an active member at my church, and I also love hosting and participating in service projects. I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy swimming and hanging out by the ocean.

Why did you choose NC State and the College of Education?

As a STEM education major, I realized that its unique STEM programs would allow me to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of math and the world around me. Many of my former teachers also went to NC State and consistently talked about their love for the school. 

After looking into the College of Education, I could tell that NC State puts effort into shaping the teachers of the next generation through field experiences, caring professors and its efforts to foster an encouraging community. Ultimately, I knew I wanted to be a part of this community as soon as I could.

What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education? 

I hope to convey my passion for math to students and help them realize that math can be applicable to everyday life, not just tests and worksheets. I want to be someone who my future students can feel comfortable with when they have questions about math, but also if they simply want to talk about their day or ask about certain life situations. For some students, school is their only safe place, and I want to ensure that it remains a safe place for all students.

Why did you choose your major?

I find joy in being part of the reason that someone finds understanding. Furthermore, math has always been one of my favorite subjects because an answer can always be reached through numbers and equations — even if the answer is “no solution.” People can frequently be intimidated by math, but I want to show students that math is not impossible and can be done by anyone if they put their mind to it. My goal is to be the teacher who helps a student find their love of math, just like former teachers did for me.

What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?

Being a Goodnight Scholar means everything. I can already tell that I will embrace every single aspect of being a member of this community. I will forever be thankful for the investment of Dr. Jim and Mrs. Ann Goodnight. I share the same vision that the Goodnight Scholars value by believing in “inspiring lifelong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.” This concept is vital to an educator’s success. In addition, being a Goodnight Scholar means learning and exploring how to reach out and pay it forward throughout my life. 

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

I’m most looking forward to branching out and finding my place in the Wolfpack. I’m so excited to make new friends and get out of my comfort zone. Additionally, I’m enthusiastic about taking classes and having experiences that will put me even closer to becoming a math teacher. College is a time to try new things, and NC State will provide me the opportunity to try plenty of new activities and meet a variety of amazing people. Where else could I participate in a cheese rolling competition or do the Krispy Kreme challenge?