Getting to Know You: Rachel Ensign
Rachel Ensign – Elementary Education
Hometown: Kennewick, WA
Year: Junior
Why did you choose WSU?
My mom went to WSU. I’ve been coming here since I was little and loved the campus. When I came back for the actual tour, it just felt like home. I visited some other campuses, but they were a little weird.
Why do you want to become a teacher?
I have always wanted to be a teacher but my parents suggested finding something else. I initially started at WSU studying viticulture and enology. I figured out that pays just as much as a teacher does so I went back to teaching. I have just always loved teaching people new things. I love watching people’s faces light up when they learn something. When I was little I used to come home and teach my little sister the math lesson so she was ahead.
What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
Probably my fourth-grade teacher. She was more than a teacher. She made everyone feel comfortable and open and it was nice.
Where do you hope to go after graduation?
I really want to teach middle school. I want to teach middle school because it’s one of the hardest times and I want to be there to provide support and help them with whatever situation. I see myself actually going back to the Tri-cities because I feel like that’s just where I’m going to get a job offer. I’ll be student teaching there, hopefully at one of the newer schools and that will lead into a job.
What impact do you hope to have on your future students?
An overall positive impact. People have told me how hard middle school was for them. I want to help my students feel confident in themselves and understand that they can manage all of these feelings they have in middle school. No matter what it will all be okay.
What is your favorite part of the program?
Probably student teaching and actually getting out there and experiencing what we are going to do for the rest of our lives is super exciting. I am doing my practicum at Lincoln Middle School in a 6th-grade science classroom.
Do you have any advice for incoming freshmen?
I think just don’t let other people influence what you want to do. You can’t depend on what others tell you that you should do. You just have to trust yourself to figure out what you want to do.