Lyla Sherwood: ‘My Strong Connection and Love for Children and Learning Led Me to Choose Education’

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.

Lyla Sherwood loved the teachers she had growing up in New Hanover County and, as an incoming Transformational Scholar and Teaching Fellow, is excited to one day return to the region as an educator. 

The NC State College of Education’s Transformational Scholarships Program provides scholarships totaling $40,000 over four years to promising high school students from eastern North Carolina who will return to the region to teach after graduating from the college. Teaching Fellows receive up to $10,000 per year in forgivable loans to teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, elementary or special education and engage in numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Meet Lyla:

Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

Major: Elementary Education

Hobbies and Interests: I love to dance and have tried different styles including hip hop, ballet, clog and jazz. I was on my high school dance team as well as on a competition team in a private studio for 16 years. I am very social and love hanging out with my friends; going to any kind of sporting event, especially football; taking photos; making TikToks; going out to eat; and being around kids and animals. I love the beach and will miss going frequently, but hope to find some cool places around Raleigh to explore with new friends.

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

I chose NC State partly because my older sister, Rylee Sherwood, is a junior here studying science education, but I feel the need to emphasize that NC State and teaching was my idea even before she decided to pursue education. I always loved NC State and the Wolfpack, and at first thought I wanted to go into communications — and still hope to double major eventually — but my strong connection and love for children and learning led me to choose education as my primary major. 

What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?

I know how influential and impactful a good teacher is in the life of a child. I loved going to school and adored most of my teachers. It’s so important to me to know that I will help influence and foster positivity and a love of learning in students, hopefully for the rest of their lives. 

Why did you choose your major?

Knowing that I will directly impact these young minds makes my heart happy. Spending a lot of time with young children – babysitting, mentoring and volunteering – made me realize that I had a special gift and connected with them. I had wonderful teachers growing up and want to be able to give kids the same love and encouragement as I received. I also received the New Hanover County Board of Education Future Teachers Scholarship, so I am committed to working in New Hanover County upon finishing school. I would love to end up teaching at the same elementary school I attended as a child.

What does it mean for you to be a Transformational Scholar and Teaching Fellow?

I was extremely excited to be named a Transformational Scholar. The focus on forming a connection with a group of like-minded individuals with the same goal throughout our time at NC State gives me comfort and motivation. I love working in groups and know there will be amazing support from my peers, as well as from College of Education leaders such as [Transformational Scholarships Program Director] Trisha Mackey. My sister is in the first cohort, and I have seen firsthand her professional and personal growth through the program. I look forward to the direct mentorship, the participation in field experiences and educational conferences, and, of course, the study abroad opportunities that are available.

I also feel very honored to have been selected as a Teaching Fellow. I know how prestigious the program is and how helpful the program is in preparing future teachers. Knowing that I will have mentors and specialized learning opportunities gives me confidence that I will have the best instruction and guidance throughout my time at NC State. The forgivable student loan financial aspect is obviously an added bonus. I planned on staying in North Carolina after school, so I see the program as a win-win. Having met [NC State Teaching Fellows Director] Crystal Espey and some of the Teaching Fellows from previous years through my sister, I know that they have had wonderful experiences, and I can’t wait to engage in them as well.

How will receiving scholarships impact your student experience?

Having received scholarships through Teaching Fellows, the Transformational Scholarships Program and New Hanover County will put much less financial stress on me and my family, and allow me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about how to pay for the cost of my undergraduate degree.  For this, I feel incredibly grateful and blessed. The educational opportunities these scholarships provide will undeniably affect my future, my career and life in general in a positive way.