Getting To Know You: Rayeann Hatfield
Rayeann Hatfield – Elementary Education
Year: Junior
Minor: Endorsement in ELL
Hometown: Lucerne, Ca & Seattle, Wa
Why did you choose WSU?
I choose WSU because I wanted to stay in Washington, it is so beautiful here. I also wanted to experience the small-town college vibe while getting to experience the different seasons. I think the snow might be my favorite. The campus is also beautiful, my favorite spot is Thompson Flats. The trees along the pathway are so gorgeous, especially as they go through the different seasons.
Why do you want to become a teacher?
Since I can remember I’ve always wanted to help kids. So, I did it any way I could, babysitting, working at daycares, camps, and volunteering. When it was time for me to choose a career, there was no question. Teaching is what I wanted to do. I want to become a teacher because I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to bring out the best in my students, so they can reach their full potential. Everyone is smart and capable; I just want to help my students realize that.
What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
My school growing up was k-8. I had a third-grade teacher who I was very fond of. She retired while I was still in elementary school, I was torn by it. She came up to me and said “Rayeann, I’ll be back to see you graduate”. Years went by and 8th grade was over. After the ceremony, someone walked up to me to say congratulations. It was my third-grade teacher, I was so shocked. It meant so much to me that she remembered and showed up. I have had a lot of other teachers as well be there for me and support me in many ways.
Where do you hope to go after graduation?
This is something I am still thinking about. I think it would be pretty cool to go live in a state I have not yet lived, meet new people and see new things. I hope to start teaching and start my masters while doing so.
What is your favorite part of this program?
My favorite part about this program is not only all the hands-on experience we get to have with children in schools but the people involved in the program. I have met some of my closest friends and in this program, the students and teachers are just amazing. When you have teachers like mine it makes becoming a teacher so much more worth it and exciting.
Do you have any advice for incoming freshmen?
Someone in my family once told me right before my freshman year, “just know it’s okay to eat alone”. I did not much understand the full meaning behind this, until my first couple weeks. You might feel alone or homesick the first few weeks. It’s hard to meet new people on top of all the other new things that are happening around you, like school. You are still trying to find yourself and figure out where you fit in and that’s okay. So, if I had any advice for incoming freshman it would be it’s okay to eat alone. Also, remember to have fun, be selfish. College before you know it will be over, so enjoy it. One last thing, if someone says “GO COUGS!” to you, say it back. After all you are a Coug.