Amy Nicole Thomley
University of Alabama
“I embrace opportunities to help students, who are academically or socially at a disadvantage, succeed and feel confident in their abilities.”
Jadyn Enas
Illinois State University
“I didn’t fall in love with learning until middle school, when my seventh-grade English teacher completely changed my perspective. She made learning fun and meaningful. I want to be that kind of teacher for someone else.”
Quinn O’Brien
Auburn University
“I want to be the teacher that my students look back on fondly and think about how much they grew in my classroom.”
Marchia Melcher
Kansas State University
“I am very passionate about the opportunity to be a part of life-changing interventions for my students in order for them to reach their potential and become healthy, ambitious individuals, and members of society, living life to its fullest.”
Liberty Wendinger
Oklahoma State University
“Teaching has always felt natural and fulfilling to me and transitioned from an interest to a calling. I want to be the kind of teacher who supports, inspires, and believes in students in the same way many of my teachers did and continue to do for me.”
Alejandro Wirth
Kansas State University
“Because of my experiences, I plan to build a classroom where every student feels noticed and valued. I hope to create a safe, encouraging environment where students see that learning is not just about tests or grades, but about growth, resilience, and believing in themselves.”
Walahuli Akau
Augustana College
“I aim to encourage my students to be proud of who they are and where they come from. I want to provide my future students with an opportunity to engage and feel deeply connected to what they learn, help them have a voice in the classroom, and get the best opportunities to learn.”