Abby Lynch is passionate about education being a gateway to opportunities for all students. She wants to be part of shaping young minds and knows how important a good teacher can be in a young student's life.
A little bit about Abby:
Q: Where is home for you?
A: Lombard, Illinois
Q: What is your year and major?
A: I'm a sophomore, and I'm majoring in Elementary Education.
Q: How did you know you wanted to go into the field of education?
A: I want to enter education because I believe equitable opportunities begin in schools. I want to be involved in shaping youth, and I believe education is more than just standards and schooling.
Q: What do you enjoy about the College of Education?
A: The College of Education is a very welcoming place, committed to teaching its students about critical educational issues and is devoted to preparing us to be aware of our identity and power within institutions.
Q: Do you have a favorite professor or course? Why?
A: Right now, I am enjoying my CI 415 course—Languages, Varieties, and Cultures. I believe it is essential to learn about other languages and cultures to best incorporate them into learning environments. My instructor, Harshita Vatsal Das, is so caring and encourages all her students to be informed based on power and hierarchies.
Q: What do you enjoy about your campus experience so far?
A: On campus, I have loved getting to know my peers and getting involved with different organizations. This semester I am serving as the Member Development Officer (MDO) of an RSO on campus called the Illini Mentor Program. We work to build 1-on-1 mentor-mentee relationships with university students and children in grades 3-5 in the C-U area. I have gained a lot from this experience, and this year as MDO, I will work to help prepare our mentors for their fieldwork. I have also enjoyed working for University Primary School as an after-school adventure play worker. I have found great meaning in kid-owned and operated play by encouraging individual creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I like to do headstands everywhere!
Q: Tell us about any research you've been involved in.
A: I am joining the Sustainable World Collaborative research team this year to add to their vast database of online resources and support their mission: "To foster international solidarity and support educators in making all students doers of science through the organization of global resources for sustainability education."
Q: Have you studied abroad, or do you plan to?
A: I am studying abroad in Madrid, Spain for the Spring 2023 semester and I could not be more excited!
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