- Major:
- Secondary Social Studies Education
- Graduation year:
- 2023
- Hometown:
- Bourbon, IN
- Interests/hobbies:
- Spotify playlists, documentaries, biographies, art, astronomy/painting, collecting historical memorabilia, telling jokes, going on walks
Q&A with Thomas
How has INSPIRE or the School of Education helped you grow as a future teacher?
INSPIRE has helped me grow as a future teacher by exposing me to different viewpoints and experiences. These have made me more mindful of the diverse and varied world and how to traverse it. Not only has this helped me in the educational environment but, also in the real world.
What has been your favorite experience as a member of the INSPIRE LLC so far?
My favorite experience as a member of the INSPIRE LLC was when I was given the opportunity to lead a seminar on the 2020 election. Being in the driver’s seat of guiding instruction better prepared me for when I will be a teacher.
What influenced your decision to become a Peer Leader?
For me I can always be continuously learning. As pre-service educator the opportunity not only to have experience as a leader but, also to be an influence on those I interact with were the driving force to become a Peer Leader. Like a teacher I also want to be a positive influence on my students and being able to have the opportunity to be a positive influence on this year’s cohort is substantial way to better prepare me to be a teacher who changes the world.
Being a part of INSPIRE has helped me to better prepare myself as a future teacher but also as a person in general. I would say to take every opportunity you can in life to better expand your horizons. Don’t let these opportunities pass you up and do whatever you can do to learn more about other people and experiences.
What are some of the responsibilities you have as a Peer Leader?
Some of the responsibilities I have as a Peer Leader can be centered around my role as a mentor. Through being a support system for other students on the floor to leading a seminar on the election and a cultural excursion on what it means to transverse an environment within the scope of identity my main responsibility as a Peer Leader can be summarized into helping students better prepare themselves as future teachers by expanding their worldview through many different experiences.
Do you have any advice for anyone who might be thinking about applying to INSPIRE?
My current advice for anyone who might be thinking about applying to INSPIRE is to absolutely do so. Being a part of INSPIRE has helped me to better prepare myself as a future teacher but also as a person in general. If you get the chance you should reach out to other INSPIRE students to learn more about their experiences as well.
What would you say to someone considering joining INSPIRE?
I would say to take every opportunity you can in life to better expand your horizons. Don’t let these opportunities pass you up and do whatever you can do to learn more about other people and experiences.