- Name:
- Teela Cardin
- Major:
- Elementary Education
- Minor:
- Special Education/Inclusion
- Year:
- Senior
- Home:
- Platteville, WI
I chose to come to UWP because I heard they had an excellent education program and affordable tuition. The strength of studying my major here is that you may have the same professors for several classes and you can see that they support you in every endeavor in order to succeed in your profession. Two professors, Wally Iselin and recently Rea Kirk, have given their support. Another positive about this major is that you will have many classes with the same people, which is one way I have made great friends!
I currently have an Internship at the Platteville High School. My internship is for one of my classes known as Transitions. I go to the high school two/three times a week for a couple of hours to help out in a classroom. I love this experience!
Last winter I had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica. This two week long trip was part of an International Field Experience. Not only were we in the Jamaican sun, but Monday through Friday my colleagues and I spent time in a Jamaican classroom tutoring children in reading and literacy. I had the opportunity to work in a first grade classroom of 44 students, working with eight individual students, while also making long lasting friendships with people in my group and the people of Jamaica. In addition to my field experience in Jamaica, I had the privilege of completing my Early Childhood Student Teaching Experience in the Aldine School District of Houston, Texas.
Being a member of the UWP soccer team was also another wonderful experience. I had developed many new friendships and still am friends with many of them. Becoming involved in other activities is a great way to learn how to manage your time, build upon yourself, and meet people. Also, I have been with the same intramural team and with people that just have the same love for the sport, not forgetting to mention the champions of co-ed soccer one year -- YES!
It was a great honor to be inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma my freshman year because it showed that I was and still am dedicated. I proved to myself that if I put forth the effort and the time I can achieve a lot.
But, you have to relax sometimes, too. You can have a lot of fun in this area. My favorite season would have to be spring and summer. I enjoy being outdoors...That goes for camping (big time fan!), sitting around a bonfire, playing bean bags, playing sports, fishing, boating, water skiing/tubing and reading on a hammock.