- Major:
- Spanish Education
- Minor/Concentration:
- Counseling
- Graduation year:
- 2026
- Hometown:
- Avon, IN
- Interests/hobbies:
- Being out and experiencing life with the people around me, jamming to music, running, wandering around campus and checking out the many events around IU, and seeing people I know and stopping to talk
Q&A
How has INSPIRE and/or the School of Education helped you grow as a future teacher?
I believe that INSPIRE has helped me grow as a future teacher by providing so many opportunities to educate me on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom and what that looks like. From being a part of this LLC, I’ve formed so many connections and relationships with my cohorts within the INSPIRE community and even some of the School of Ed administrators. The School of Education has helped me grow as a future educator by providing me with multiple courses that I can start working with grade school students which has helped me already get valuable experience in my field. In my view, both the INSPIRE LLC and School of Ed are equipping their students with everything they need so that they’re ready when it’s time to be in a classroom to teach.
What has been your favorite experience as a member of the INSPIRE LLC so far?
My favorite experience by far as a member of the INSPIRE LLC is when a big group from our floor went to the Holi Festival on campus together last year. The celebration was something fresh as I got to open my eyes up to a different way that a culture around me celebrates something they’re passionate about. I am so happy that I got to check it out and learn more about this Hindu festival of colors!
What influenced your decision to become a Peer Mentor?
More than anything what influenced my decision to be a peer mentor was that the community of INSPIRE has helped me feel so welcomed and loved since I got to IU so I want to give that back to the future members of INSPIRE in any way I can. I’m also excited to put myself out there to step up into a leadership role for this living learning center by working together as a team with my INSPIRE cohorts from last year that are now mentors. My goal for this year involves actively connecting with and being a source of support for the new members of INSPIRE, so they can have a fantastic experience in our LLC!
This community of peers with similar interests in education can help make this huge campus at IU feel a lot smaller than it actually is. We’d love for you to join this INSPIRE LLC and we’ll welcome you with open arms and answer any questions you may have along the way.
What are some of the responsibilities you have as a Peer Mentor?
The responsibilities as Peer Mentors consist of leading welcome week events for the new students, facilitating fireside chats and cultural excursions, being a friendly face on the floor, and even attending a weekly, low-key seminar discussion group with the other Peer Mentors and Dr. Cierniak. We also assist in any questions INSPIRE members have about the School of Education, their classes, and campus life. Although there’s a good amount of responsibilities as a Peer Mentor, it’s worth it to step up to this leadership role and help out in any way that I can to give back to a community that I got the chance to be a part of here at IU. I believe Peer Mentors can really help make the floor a welcoming home that new members of the living learning center can be themselves in and find community within.
Do you have any advice for anyone who might be thinking about applying to INSPIRE?
First, explore our INSPIRE website & check out our values to see if that matches what you are looking for in a community. If we offer a community center that you are interested in, then sign up for a tour on our website and come check out a tour of this LLC led by our Peer Mentors, Director, Council members, and/or first-year members. By going on a tour, you can observe the community floor firsthand, and we're here to answer any questions you might have concerning the LLC. We’ll be happy to meet you too!
What would you say to someone considering joining INSPIRE?
Go for it if this is what you want to do! This community of peers with similar interests in education can help make this huge campus at IU feel a lot smaller than it actually is. We’d love for you to join this INSPIRE LLC and we’ll welcome you with open arms and answer any questions you may have along the way. In the end, what matters is that you’re going to flourish wherever you decide to be! That’s my honest truth to you :)
Anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
My best decision since I got to Indiana University has been joining this INSPIRE LLC :) I’ve had my eyes opened to so many different cultures and groups of people thanks to the opportunity to be a part of this community. Inspire has helped me learn what it is like to be aware to educate the next generation to know about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I couldn’t ask for a better community to be a part of for my first two years in Bloomington!