Student Spotlight Madison Zink
B.A., Elementary Education
Class: 2026 Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Navy veteran Zink finds her calling in the classroom
Madison Zink was a Navy veteran before she was a Mountaineer. After her service, she took stock of what she wanted to do next and landed on elementary education, drawn to WVU in part by her sister's experience there. The program delivered what she was looking for: real time in classrooms, practical preparation, and professors who stayed engaged. Off campus, Zink found her footing through the WVU Veterans Club, where she served as vice president and built the confidence she'd need heading into a teaching career.
Why did you choose WVU and your program in the College of Applied Human Sciences?
When I was in the Navy, I started thinking a lot about what I wanted to do after I left, and that's when I realized I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I chose WVU because my sister went here and always talked about how much she loved it, and once I looked into the program, it just felt like the right fit.
How has your program prepared you for your next chapter?
It's prepared me with real classroom experience. I've learned how to plan lessons and manage a classroom, but actually being in schools and working with students is what really helped everything come together.
What do you think separates this program from others?
Even though it's a bigger program, it doesn't feel overwhelming. You still get to know people and work closely with others, and there are a lot of chances to collaborate and learn from each other.
How did hands-on or applied learning experiences shape your time at WVU?
Student teaching is what really showed me that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Being in the classroom every day made me more confident, and I always felt supported by my professors along the way.
How has your experience as a veteran shaped the way you approached your time at WVU?
At first, I was kind of intimidated and didn't really put myself out there. But once I got involved with the Veterans Office and joined the WVU Veterans Club, it became a big part of my experience. Being Vice President of the club helped me build confidence and step into a more leadership role.
What has perseverance meant to you during your time here?
There were definitely times I wanted to quit, especially when things felt like a lot. But for me, perseverance just meant pushing through those moments and reminding myself why I started in the first place.
What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Get involved sooner! There are amazing people on campus.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I'm planning to start the Literacy Education master's program at WVU while hopefully teaching at the same time.
What's the best thing about being a Mountaineer?
The people and community have made everything about this experience worthwhile.