Class of 2018

Theatre major

Art History minor

Much of the material learned inside the classroom of Creative Dramatics contained theory about how students learn and how they learn differently. By working with different students with different learning strengths it was much easier for the material in the classroom to make practical sense. Another aspect of Creative Dramatics was learning about how performance and theater skills help to improve learning such as in a history or science class. Although you learn the theory in the classroom, it is not until you work hands on with students do you understand the effects and importance of the material. 

Working one-on-one with the students at Swift Elementary School helped me realize that the application of material in real life offers an entirely new set of challenges than just learning a subject in a classroom. Working with a variety of middle school students, my class taught me how to individualize and apply  material for different types of students with different needs and strengths. I also developed a new appreciation for middle school students, their acceptance of one another, and their hidden yet deep desire for learning. 

I have never considered a career in teaching, however, this class made me reconsider. I had such a fantastic time working with the children at Swift Elementary School and discovered talents and passions of mine that I never knew I possessed. My engaged learning class helped me discover the importance and empowering benefits of performance along with my passion for education.  Due to my experiential learning class, whether or not I choose to make it a career or simply a volunteer option, I have decided to make working with children a new and exciting priority in my life.