Emily Crosswell is experiencing a lot. She's involved all over campus and Central Illinois. The Sophomore from Watseka teaches with IGlobal, has studied abroad, and spends time with the Illinois Army National Guard. She's taking her life experience and passion for people into her future classroom.
A little bit about Emily:
Q: Where is home for you?
A: Watseka, Illinois.
Q: What is your year and major?
A: I'm a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education.
Q: How did you know you wanted to go into the field of Education?
A: I started working with children at my church and really enjoyed it. Seeing some of my high school teachers, such as Mr. Wilkey, Mrs. Devine, and Mrs. Henneike, never give up on and inspire students inspired me to want to have that same impact on my future students.
Q: What do you enjoy about the College of Education?
A: It was partially due to location. It's only an hour from my hometown. I also picked U of I, knowing that it was a great school with lots of extracurriculars that could help with career development, such as IGlobal and Epsilon Delta.
Q: What do you enjoy about your campus experience so far?
A: Meeting new people and getting to enjoy some of the events the campus puts on. I love going to football and basketball games, and the Illini Union movie nights are enjoyable.
Q: Do you have a favorite professor or course? Why?
A: Dr. Witt from EDUC 199. I am a part of the IGlobal program, and I love working with diverse middle school students worldwide and practicing online teaching. Plus, all the snacks.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
A: I am an active member of the Illinois Army National Guard.
Q: What do you do in the National Guard?
A: I'm a Human Resource Specialist for the 1544th Transportation Company. I joined the National Guard partly for the education benefits, and my family members have served in the military. It seemed to positively develop their character as well as teach them a lot of valuable life skills. I do mainly administrative work, filing paperwork, and helping to keep track of soldier information. But since I'm at a transportation company, I get to do a decent amount of driving 5-ton trucks and Humvees.
Q: Tell us about any study abroad experiences and why you thought they benefitted your life and career.
A: I did a short-term study abroad program in Spain during spring break of 2023. I learned a lot from the teachers in Spain and took notes of some practices in Spain that I would love to bring to education. I also got to know the faculty that went on the trip and some other education students. This was also my first time in another country. Getting to immerse in another country's culture was amazing.
Q: What do you see yourself doing after graduation?
A: After graduation, I would like to get a job teaching 2nd or 3rd grade somewhere in rural Illinois. I want to get my master's degree in Education Policy eventually.
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