Student Spotlight Hope Wright

My dad has close ties to the university so I was introduced to the university when I was younger. I also had a really big interest in the marching band here at the school so that created a big part of my decision in coming to this school.

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when I was in first grade when I had a really amazing teacher named Mrs. Amoscato. I was six, and my family had just moved. That move, and being in a separate classroom from my twin brother, Cole, were big changes for me and put me out of my comfort zone, especially already being a shy kid. Mrs Amoscato was very patient with me and always was there when I needed a supporting adult. I knew I could trust her. I was devastated when I had to move up into second grade! I hope that I can be as reliable a teacher as she was and the type of teacher that students will trust and miss. I still am in contact with her and have actually observed her classroom this past year. 

I love how this program gets us into the field in the fall of our junior year. It allows us to observe two different classrooms–one from the lower grades and one from the upper grades–and this helps us decide where we would like our grade residency to be. Also, staying in the same school for the two years of field experience is super important in getting a great sense of community. I love that we stay in the same school and are able to see the kids grow over the two years. Being in the same school allows me to feel more comfortable in the environment and with the other teachers and staff in the building.

You are still learning. Give yourself some grace. I still have to remind myself of this sometimes, especially during teaching observation and residency when there are moments that I made a mistake or something didn't work out quite like I expected. That’s why we have student teaching: to learn from this experience and learn some good strategies to bring into our own classrooms into the future. You got this! Keep pushing!

I am in "The Pride of West Virginia" Mountaineer Marching band, and I have to pick my band section (piccolo) as a whole. They have helped me get through some tough times and even when I’m not feeling my best, I know that when I come to practice they will be there to listen and put a smile on my face. I can’t be sad when I’m around them. This has been the same for every year since freshman year, they have really saved me.

Choosing to be a part of the band was one of the best decisions I could have made when coming to college. When you join the marching band you instantly have a whole group of friends that feel like family. It’s a lot of work. We come to school a week early in August and prepare for the season from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Then we practice nearly every weekday from 4–6 p.m. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Coming out of the tunnels and hearing the roar of the crowd—and thinking about how there’s at least one person out there who hasn’t seen it before and is going to be blown away—is an incredible feeling. That high is the best every time. 

My bandmates and myself are together a lot during the fall so we become very close like family. The opportunity to be on national television for the Macy’s Day Parade was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was amazing. I am so proud to call myself a member of the "Pride of West Virginia" Mountaineer Marching Band.

The moment that stands out to me most has to be being in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The whole trip was an experience that I will never forget and am proud to say that I was a part of.

This degree means a lot to my family. It means that I am the second generation of my family to get a degree which is a huge commitment. My family stressed about the importance of choosing and going to a good college and getting good grades. Completing this degree and getting a job in the field is a huge deal and a big priority for my family.

I plan on moving back to my hometown in Pennsylvania. It’s been my dream since I was little to become a teacher and teach at my elementary school I grew up in. That goal still holds true and I hope I can get a job in the school, the school district or the surrounding community.

I love how much pride our college has and how much the state has for WVU. In being a part of "The Pride," I got to see that on display all of the time and it's amazing how many people come together not only for sports but for band events too.