Hometown: Freeport, ME
Current Career Title:
JMG (Jobs for Maines Graduates) Middle School Specialist
What was your Major? Secondary Education- Life Science
Did you switch majors at any point in your college career?
I did! I started out as Adventure Based Environmental Education (ABEE)
Any tips for Unity students who are in their first year or who may be undecided about their major?
When I was an RA, I worked/lived with first year students and my biggest advice is to take your first semester or even the first year and be open-minded to trying new things. Take a few classes in each field to help you decide. In the end, it is okay to not stay or change your major but you can’t base it off of one bad experience.
Talking to faculty and even upperclassmen is key too! (even though they might seem scary they aren’t) Everyone wants to see you succeed and wants to help!
What was your favorite thing about Unity College? Do you have a favorite tradition?
I really loved how small the college was and how personal your professors and faculty are to you. I also loved that for each major there were so many hands-on experiences to go with which really sets you apart in the workforce.
Some favorite traditions of mine at unity were always Apple Fest and Unity Unplugged.
What do you miss most about being a Unity College student?
I think I miss most is the atmosphere. Unity is such a neat place both the town but also the institution with so much opportunity to be had there. I also miss most are the former residents that I got to work and live as an RA as well as my former co-RA’s
Did you complete an internship?
My internship was my student teaching placement at China Middle School in China, Maine teaching science to grades 6-8. This experience was what really helped show me what I wanted to do and actually helped me to get the job that I have today. The experience not only truly shaped me as the educator that I am today, but really gave me the experience of what being an educator is like in a public school.
Are you happy in your current career?
Yes! I absolutely love the nonprofit I work for, the middle school I am placed at, and my students!
What are your long-term career aspirations?
I know that I always want to be in an educator and working with kids helping to make a difference in their lives. Those kids might be middle school, high school, or even students pursuing a postsecondary credential
Is this the job you planned on having after graduation, or did you end up going a different direction than you thought?
Yes and no. I knew that I was going to continue to pursue a job in the field of education but I assumed it would be in the field of science. I am still working with middle school students but instead, I am helping Maine students graduate high school and obtain a postsecondary credential as well as prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed!
Did you feel Unity College prepared you for your career?
Yes! I truly feel that I would not have the job that I have today if it wasn’t for Unity College. From the teachers, I had to the experiences in the field because of Unity! I didn’t think graduating college was going to happen but here I am an educator and a Unity Alum!
