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Washington State University
College of Education

Getting to Know You: Elizabeth Nelson

Elizabeth Nelson – Elementary Education

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Year: Junior

Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because I just sort of knew this was the school for me. I wanted the real college experience and I feel that WSU offered that for me. I knew I didn’t want to go to UW. Both of the degrees I was considering, elementary education and criminal justice, have great programs so I knew that no matter what I choose it would be great.

Why do you want to become a teacher?
I started out as criminal justice but I have already had a passion for working with kids and after one year of criminal justice, I just decided I wanted to teach. I have a lot of teachers in my family, and I didn’t want to do what my family was doing at first, but I realized it’s definitely what I’m called to do and I am very passionate about it. My mom is a special education teacher so I grew up spending a lot of time in her classroom.

What are you most passionate about when it comes to being a teacher?
I’m most passionate about making learning interactive and fun. I feel like when people think about teaching and learning, they don’t think fun. I have to have fun myself as a teacher as well as the kids having fun learning.

What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
I would say, my mom. She was the biggest support system when I was deciding whether to stick with criminal justice or pursue elementary education. I have kind of always known deep down and she helped me realize that this is my calling and where I should be.

What do you hope to achieve in this career?
I hope to achieve getting a full-time position at a school. I want to be a second-grade teacher because I think they have that childlike quality but with a little more maturity.

Where do you hope to go after graduation?
My plan is to go back to Seattle and go do student teaching there and get a job wherever I can, whether that is across the country or even out of the country.

Do you have any advice for incoming freshmen?
I would say to take this experience to the fullest. I think college is an awesome experience and you should immerse yourself in all of the opportunities and experiences it provides. It’s not going to happen if you don’t get out there and start doing stuff. Don’t do what your parents want you to do, choose a career that you are passionate about.