Junior Lesly Ortega feels that the path to teaching is the only one for her, and has felt this way since childhood. As an English major and Secondary Education minor, Lesly has enjoyed her courses in and out of the College of Education, and looks forward to returning to her high school as an English teacher as soon as possible. When she's not in class or studying, Lesly enjoys checking out the local restaurants and greeting her peer's pets on the quad.
A little bit about Lesly:
Q: Where is home for you?
A: Cicero, IL
Q: What is your year and major?
A: I'm a junior and an English major, with a minor in Secondary Education.
Q: What do you enjoy about the campus experience, so far?
A: Being able to walk around and enjoy the beautiful buildings and community that UIUC is in. I love walking around the quad and seeing all the people walking their pets! I also love being able to try new food that I never would have tried if I wasn’t here. In addition, being on campus has allowed me to get to meet new people who I have become very close to. I really appreciate having them in my life.
Q: How did you know you wanted to go into the field of education?
A: I have always enjoyed tutoring and helping others in various school subjects. When I was younger I would play school with my younger brother and cousin, I was always the teacher. It has felt like the right path for me for a very long time now. I don’t see myself doing anything else.
Q: What do you enjoy about the College of Education?
A: There are a lot of people we can go to if we need any form of support or help. I have never felt alone in my academic years at UIUC so far.
Q: Do you have a favorite professor or course? Why?
A: I have loved the majority of my English classes. My favorite ones have been English 104 with Dr. Dave Morris and English 219 with Professor Catharine Gray.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I used to work at a movie theater in Oak Park, and I got to be in one of their commerials!
Q: Tell us about your future career plans after graduating and why you want to pursue that field.
A: After graduating, I want to start teaching as soon as I can! I hope to go back to my old high school and teach English there, alongside some of my favorite teachers. I want to give back to my community in any and every way I can.
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