- Major:
- Elementary Education with minors in Spanish and Counseling
- Graduation year:
- 2023
- Hometown:
- Pendleton, IN
- Interests/hobbies:
- Traveling, reading, watching sports (especially IU basketball and football) and spending time with family and friends
Q&A with Allison
How has INSPIRE or the School of Education helped you grow as a future teacher?
INSPIRE and the School of Education have introduced me to many different resources and teachers to talk to. Through our Armstrong Teacher Panels, I have been given the opportunity to listen to different concepts in relation to the classroom. We have also been able to have more one-on-one conversations with teachers through INSPIRE events.
What has been your favorite experience as a member of the INSPIRE LLC so far?
It is very hard for me to try to think of only one favorite memory but one of my favorite memories would have to be eating with a large group of people on the floor last year after our seminar at the Monroe County Public Library. It was something that was so simple but it was so fun to just be able to spend time with the other students on the floor since we still did not know each other too well yet.
What influenced your decision to become a Peer Leader?
The Peer Leaders my freshman year were a large influence on me wanting to become one as well. I always knew that they were there for me in whatever way they could provide support. This was something that helped my transition to college immensely. I wanted to be given the opportunity to do this to the incoming freshman.
INSPIRE is a great thing to be involved in. It has such a strong community that is so loving and supportive. I have so many lifelong friends that I met in INSPIRE.
What are some of the responsibilities you have as a Peer Leader?
As Peer Leaders, we all work together to create events during Welcome Week so we can start to build our community and get to know one another. Additionally, we host fireside chats and cultural excursions throughout the year to introduce members of INSPIRE to topics that are important in the classroom. For example, I just did a fireside chat about dual language education! Most importantly, we provide support to the members of INSPIRE, whether this is academic support or emotional support.
Do you have any advice for anyone who might be thinking about applying to INSPIRE?
INSPIRE is a great thing to be involved in. It has such a strong community that is so loving and supportive. I have so many lifelong friends that I met in INSPIRE. If you have any questions about what it is like, email Katie (kciernia@indiana.edu), she can tell you more about it or put you in contact with one of us!
What would you say to someone considering joining INSPIRE?
You should do it! I honestly do not know how my transition to college would have been without it!