Getting To Know You: Megan Collins
Megan Collins – Elementary Education
Hometown: Ridgefield, WA
Why are you studying education? What do you hope to do with that after you graduate?
I am studying education because I grew up with Dyslexia and Tourrettes Syndrome so growing up school was and still is a big struggle for me. Working with some amazing teachers who helped me get through school made me realize how many students there are like me in the world. When I graduate I hope to be a school where I can make that difference in students’ lives that my teachers made for me. Giving students a teacher who is going to care and give them everything they need to succeed.
Why did you choose WSU Vancouver (as opposed to going somewhere like Pullman)?
I decided to attend WSU Vancouver because I wanted to stay close to home. I have a very close relationship with my family so WSU Vancouver campus was a perfect opportunity for me to go to school but save money by living at home and helping out my family
What’s been your favorite part of the WSUV experience thus far?
My favorite part of WSUV is it is a small tight-knit community. Growing up I went to a school district that started off very very small. So everyone knew everyone. Then getting the opportunity to go to a college that lets me remain in smaller classes and know the faces that I am walking past is incredible.
What’s been the biggest challenge so far?
My biggest challenge so far has been procrastination! Something scary I have been doing my whole life! The scariest part is every time I get away with it I think I can get away with it a little bit more next time. It’s a sticky scary cycle I’m stuck in.
What’s something you’ve learned in Shameem Rakha’s course that you think has been valuable?
The most valuable thing I have learned in Dr. Shameem Rakha’s is to not be color blind. In today’s day in age people are so afraid of coming across prejudice that they say they are “ color-blind” and do not pay attention to the color. What Dr. Rakha pointed out is doing something like this can be culturally insensitive. Pretending you don’t see the color on someone’s skin is just blatantly not true. It does not mean to act on it and to be prejudice with it. However, it is critical to be aware and not pretend you don’t see anything when that is blatantly not true.
As a college, we’re starting to focus more on our people being agents of change. What makes you an agent of change?
I would be an agent of change because I connect to the community with learning disabilities. I have struggled and kicked and fought with my disabilities and it has made me a stronger person today. I am an agent for change because I am someone who can show students like me they are capable of moving forward.
Favorites:
Favorite Food: Pad Thai
Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
Favorite Musician/Band: Ed Sheeran/ Bruno Mars / Matt Maeson
Favorite Sport to Watch: NFL, Football
Dream Vacation Spot: Fiji!