Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Meadows Place, TX ( May 10, 2018 ) – Texas Lutheran University student Makayla Mueller has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring personal narrative, excellent academic record and spirit of community service.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Mueller is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Makayla explained why she was inspired to become a teacher. “For me when I started to school, it was never fun. I would sit in the classroom not really sure what the teacher was trying to explain,” Makayla said. “Then things changed for me. About midway through my first-grade year, I began to spend most of my reading time with a teacher named Ms. Wessels, a reading specialist, who taught me strategies for conquering dyslexia. I didn’t know it at the time, but Ms. Wessels would become my bridge to understanding, to knowledge and to courage. She helped me get to where I am today and is the reason I want to become a teacher.” Makayla went on to say, “I want to show students that learning can be fun and that I will be the one to believe in them when no one else will. I want to show them they can aspire to be anything they want to be, even a dyslexic teacher! With knowledge, nothing can stop them!”
“Makayla really inspired our committee with her personal experience as a child, learning to read with her favorite teacher Ms. Wessels and learning ways to manage dyslexia. It is clear how important good teachers are to the future of our students and how important it is for a teacher to take time to help find creative ways to teach children with any challenges. Makayla will be one of these teachers,” said Nancy Larson.
Juniors, seniors and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major are invited to submit a personal narrative about why they want to teach, what personal experiences they have had that inspired them to teach and what will make them excellent teachers. Applicants are also asked to include community service activities and experiences they have had working with children.
Larson, a former teacher and curriculum director, has dedicated her life to advancing elementary education. Nancy Larson Science K–5 programs were developed because teachers needed a classroom-tested science program that would prepare children for upper-level science classes and careers in science. The program was written to provide in-depth science content in an easy-to-teach format.