Getting to Know You: Nicole Grote
Nicole Grote — Elementary Education
Minor: Human Development
Hometown: Pullman, WA
Year: Junior
Why do you want to become a teacher?
I have always wanted a job where I felt like I was helping people or making a difference and from a young age I loved working with children. Teaching just always seemed like a natural fit for me. I remember being in third grade and making my younger brother and our next door neighbor play school with me. Naturally, I was always the teacher and throughout the years I have maintained the same excitement and love for teaching. When it was time for college, it was pretty clear to me that teaching was the career for me!
What are you most passionate about when it comes to being a teacher?
I personally feel most passionate about making a difference in a child’s life. Whether that be helping a student learn how to multiply or being constantly present in a student’s life, I want to make a difference. While it may sound a bit cliché, I really want students to leave my classroom and know that they are loved and capable of doing anything and everything they put their mind to. I really do believe that sometimes the most important thing an educator can do for a child is show them they care. You never know what a students life is like outside of school, so making my classroom a safe space where students want to be, is very important to me.
What is your favorite part of this program?
By far the best part of this program has to be the people. The professors in the program really get to know you as an individual and genuinely care about you. The program itself is also really unique because you grow really close to everyone in your classes. I truly feel that I have met so many amazing people. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of individuals who are kind and supportive of one another. It’s really comforting to know that you have sixty other people going through the same exact classes and experiences as you, it definitely brings us all closer. With that said, I feel confident in saying that everyone in this program is not only going to be a phenomenal teacher, but a life-long friend.