- Pronouns:
- she/her/hers
- Major:
- Secondary Earth and Space Science Education
- Graduation year:
- 2025
- Hometown:
- Olathe, KS
- Interests/hobbies:
- Crocheting, painting, fly fishing, playing piccolo, and thrift shopping
Q&A with Belle
How has INSPIRE or the School of Education helped you grow as a future teacher?
INSPIRE has helped me grow as a future teacher because I am able to live and interact with many people who have the same passion for teaching as me. Getting to be a part of this program for two years has introduced me to so many different perspectives people can have on education and the future of it. This experience will help me in my future career because of the different approaches to teaching that everyone can take and which one works best for me.
What has been your favorite experience as a member of the INSPIRE LLC so far?
My favorite experience I’ve had so far is when we got to speak one on one with the Armstrong teachers because a few of them are actually teaching in the specific areas I will want to teach, so it was very enlightening to hear their background of education and how they run the classroom using the knowledge they have. I also really enjoyed going to the pumpkin patch last year as an LLC.
What influenced your decision to become a Peer Mentor?
The past experiences I’ve had with this program influenced my decision to become a Peer Mentor the most. I simply didn’t want to leave this amazing program because of how much it helped me navigate my freshman year and I wanted to help the incoming freshman do the same. I wanted to create a safe environment for the freshman because I know how stressful and intimidating your first year of college can be, so being a Peer Mentor gave me the opportunity to do that.
If you're looking for a tight knit community that is going to support you throughout the whole year then this is the place for you. It is so nice to share a living space with people who come from all different cultures and backgrounds but still all have a passion for education and teaching others.
What are some responsibilities you have as a Peer Mentor?
Some responsibilities we have as Peer Mentors is planning and carrying out events during Welcome Week such as playing get to know you activities, tours of campus, tye-dying shirts, eating meals together, and leading groups to various events around campus. Throughout the year, we Peer Mentors guide INSPIRE members to Cultural Excursions such a Pride Fest and the Lotus Festival to name a few. Once we have them experience the event we lead a group discussion about what they have learned and what they have gained from the experience. We also lead Fireside Chats which are sit down discussions about a certain topic in education or things to implement in their future classrooms.
Do you have any advice for anyone who might be thinking about applying to INSPIRE?
Some advice I would give is doing your own research about the program to make sure it is a good fit for you and how you want your college experience to go. I would also suggest reaching out to Dr. Cierniak or a present Peer Mentor to ask any questions you may have about the program.
What would you say to someone considering joining INSPIRE?
I would say that if you're looking for a tight knit community that is going to support you throughout the whole year then this is the place for you. It is so nice to share a living space with people who come from all different cultures and backgrounds but still all have a passion for education and teaching others.