B.A. in English; Minor in Educational Studies, 2014
School of Education
March 1, 2014
“I am particularly drawn to teaching both refugee students and students with autism.”
Kathryn Waller, President of the student-administered club Teachers of Tomorrow, reflects on her time at UC Irvine and her experiences as a student pursuing the Minor in Educational Studies.
From teaching an after school class on “How to Become a Jedi” to working behind the scenes to help plan a summer science camp, I am continually exploring the vast array of options that the world of education has to offer.
My initial inclination was to become a traditional K-12 teacher. However, my time in Education 160: Out of School Learning has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities that working in supplementary educational programs can provide for children. While afterschool programs still have rules to follow, I enjoy the freedom that I have been given as an instructor of these types of classes.
Coming into UC Irvine, I had no particular group of students that I felt a calling towards. Looking ahead to leaving the university in June, I realize I am particularly drawn to teaching both refugee students and students with autism.
My work as a homework tutor with The Tiyya Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides basic necessities to Orange County’s refugees, has reinforced the idea of never judging a book by its cover. From the outside, these children have nothing in common with me, a SoCal born and raised college student, and it would appear that I have little in common with them. Nevertheless, I have found great comfort and many friendships among these students, who are resilient despite all odds. Similarly, my time volunteering with Spirit League, an autism-inclusive sports league, has brought a tremendous amount of joy to my life. As a coach, I was able to watch many of the children rise above their expectations of themselves and gain confidence along the way.
While my interests now lean more towards the administrative side of the field of education, I know that my time as an Education Minor at UCI had more of an impact on me than I ever could have known and I will always keep striving for more for myself. Plus, I have learned that as long as I am involved with education in some way, I will never live a dull life.