Celebrating the CAHS Class of 2025

I chose WVU because as soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that this would be a place where I could grow both athletically and academically. The College of Applied Human Sciences offers a great blend of both the physical and mental sides of health, as well as provides ways to keep the community healthy as well.

As someone who grew up in West Virginia and comes from a family of teachers, WVU felt like the perfect place to continue that legacy. I wanted a school that not only valued education but also understood the importance of community, and WVU offered both. The College of Applied Human Sciences stood out to me because of its strong emphasis on hands-on experience and its commitment to preparing future educators to make a real impact. I knew I would be supported, challenged, and surrounded by people who were just as passionate about teaching as I am.

I came to WVU as a transfer student from Potomac State, and I was undecided. WVU is close to my family, and watching Tavon Austin play here pushed my love not only for sports but for the school.

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 have had the opportunity to work at Advantage Health and Wellness and gain hands-on experience in patient interaction. This experience solidified my passion for helping others improve their well-being and prepared me for a future in physical therapy.

I began my student teaching journey during my junior year by observing two different classrooms: one in the fall and another in the spring. These placements were in both lower and upper elementary grades, and through them I gained at least 170 hours of classroom experience. It was incredibly valuable because I got to compare different age groups and see firsthand the range of teaching styles and classroom management strategies. These observations helped me reflect on what grade levels I felt most connected to and gave me insight into what kind of teacher I want to be.

In my senior year, I entered Residency I and Residency II, where I completed a total of 750 hours of student teaching. One of the things I appreciated most was how we gradually phased into full-time teaching and then slowly phased out. That structure made the transition smoother not only for us as student teachers, but for the students. It allowed us to build strong relationships, take ownership of the classroom, and then leave in a way that felt thoughtful and natural. These hands-on experiences truly shaped my teaching philosophy, built my confidence, and confirmed that this is exactly what I’m meant to do.

My mentor teacher during both observation and residency was extremely influential for my experience. They really took me under their wing and treated me like a co-teacher from the beginning. They were patient, encouraging, and honest, which I believe helped me grow so much in confidence and skill. Watching the way they built relationships with students and handled each day with calm and purpose showed me the kind of teacher I want to be. Their guidance made a lasting impact on me both professionally and personally.

The field experience hours with my student placement taught me a lot. I got thrown in the deep end and was expected to swim. I learned that not everything is going to work, and having backup plans is key. Things happen, but staying calm and doing what’s safest—while keeping it a positive learning environment—is what matters.

I am in a first grade classroom for my residency in student teaching and it really exposed me to some real world scenarios and I’m really grateful. As a future teacher who believes that emotional and basic needs need to be met before learning can be achieved, I can now attest that this is true. I have seen students come into my classroom and you are the one thing that is consistent in their life. 

Take every opportunity to get involved – internships, extracurriculars, and so much more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and build connections with your professors and peers. The more you put into the program, the more you get out of it.

Take in everything you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you observe, try new things, and reflect on your experiences, the more confident you’ll become. Also, build strong relationships with your peers, professors, and mentor teachers. Those connections will support you every step of the way. And remember, it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Teaching is a journey, and every experience, even the tough ones, help you grow.

Be in control of what you can control and let go of everything else. Do the work and stop trying to find a short-term path because you’re only going to get short-term results. And if you’re struggling with anything -- inside the classroom or out -- you need to leet those feelings and thoughts out. Talking about problems to a friend or a therapist can do wonders. You should learn to love to reflect and decompress. 

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!

It means everything. It is a symbol of the hard work, late nights, and early mornings, and the effort I put in to be where I am right now. For my family, it’s a reflection of the support they’ve given me every step of the way.

Earning this degree means everything to my family and me. I am going to be a third-generation West Virginia teacher, and that's a legacy I hold very close to my heart. This degree is a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and a belief in the power of education. It is a proud moment for my family, and for me, the beginning of a journey that I have dreamed of for a long time.

Earning this degree means everything. I was a 2020 high school graduate and didn’t even get a high school graduation. When I graduated from Potomac State, only a few family members could attend. So getting to walk the stage now means more than anything. Being a first-generation college graduate makes it even more personal. My grandmother isn’t here to see me graduate, so this degree is for her, too.

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 am staying in the great state of West Virginia to pursue my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at WVU!

After graduation, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in mathematics through algebra I while I work as an elementary school classroom teacher. I want to keep learning so I can be the best teacher possible and eventually shape the future of education here in West Virginia and beyond.

I plan to move south and continue teaching and coaching cross country and sprints in track. I’ve always wanted to live in the Carolinas, so now I’m working to make that a reality.

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.

The people, the pride, and the passion. The support and sense of belonging here in Morgantown is something that you can’t get anywhere else. Once you’re a Mountaineer, you’re always a Mountaineer!

The sense of pride and community. Mountaineers look out for each other, and that feeling follows you everywhere you go. Whether it’s in a classroom, on campus, or out in the world – once you’re a Mountaineer, youx are part of something bigger. There’s just something special about WVU that sticks with you no matter where you go.

The best thing about being a Mountaineer is the pride that we all carry. We don’t just represent the school, we carry the whole state. It’s amazing to be from a place as beautiful as West Virginia.

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.