Sara Sawdey, a senior who is about to graduate with her degree in Early Childhood Education, is currently completing her student teaching in a first grade classroom. She has actually spent the entire school year in this classroom as a part of an education internship.
Of her experience student teaching, Sara says, “While sitting in my undergrad classes, I learned a lot of theory and the ‘what ifs’ of teaching. Now I have transitioned into taking that theory and putting it into practice daily. I feel that I was 100% prepared to take on this rewarding experience and I have grown so much as an educator because of it.”
Sara, a native of Powell, Ohio, admits, “I didn’t even consider Muskingum while thinking about college. My step dad invited me to come along with him while he did some work for the school. I didn't have a visit or anything formal scheduled, but as I started walking around campus I was invited into the Admission Office and asked if I wanted to meet with a[n admission] counselor and go on tour. Everyone was so nice to me that day and I just knew that Muskingum fosters a community that I would quickly become a part of.”
Sara has been very involved in various opportunities offered by the Education Department, from joining the education honorary, Delta Pi, to working as a student aid in the on-campus preschool program. Sara adds, “I have been to several conferences, met amazing educators in the field, built skills that I didn't know I had, and really stepped out of my comfort zone by getting involved.”
Sara has also worked for Residence Life as a Resident Assistant (RA) and Head RA, and has been involved in Chamber Singers and other musical ensembles.
Although Sara is thankful for her friendships and the faculty who have encouraged her along the way, she also feels blessed by her on-campus work positions that have “strengthened the professional side of my life” and the employers who have “become my biggest motivators.”
Sara has great advice for students trying to choose a college now: “You have to pick a college that fits who you are as a person and not a college in which you have to fit yourself to be a part of it. Once you find where you can grow yourself most, you have found the right place. I know it's a hard and overwhelming process, but you will know when you have found the perfect college for you and it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.”