Student Success Blog

Category: Student highlight

2025 CEHD Outstanding Student Award Winners

George Mason graduating students cheering and clapping at the CEHD Degree Celebration in EagleBank Arena

Each spring, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner at the CEHD Degree Celebration. Graduating students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

Continue reading “2025 CEHD Outstanding Student Award Winners”

Full-circle moment: Yasmin Sahal’s journey to becoming an elementary educator 

Yasmin Sahal in sixth grade math class

It’s not every day that a student walking through campus stumbles upon a blast from the past—but that’s exactly what happened to Yasmin Sahal, a George Mason University transfer student in the Elementary Education Program.

Continue reading “Full-circle moment: Yasmin Sahal’s journey to becoming an elementary educator “

Empowering wellness: Shannon Smith brings health education to Zimbabwe community

Shannon Smith standing with workshop participants in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe after facilitating a half day workshop on health and wellness education.
Continue reading “Empowering wellness: Shannon Smith brings health education to Zimbabwe community”

Tourism and Events Management student Natalie Strait reflects on her study abroad experiences

Natalie Strait at Wat Arun temple in Thailand

As Winter Graduation approaches, many graduating students enter a season of reflection. Natalie Strait, graduating this semester with a BS in Tourism and Events Management, looks back at her college experience with fondness. As a student in the Honors College, a member of the CEHD Student Advisory Board, a CEHD Student Ambassador, and president of the Tourism and Events Management Society, Natalie has made the most of her college experience. But her most memorable moments at George Mason were not on the Fairfax campus – or even in the United States.

Keep reading to learn more about Natalie’s experiences studying abroad in her own words. 

Continue reading “Tourism and Events Management student Natalie Strait reflects on her study abroad experiences”

PhD candidate Zikun Li explores the perception and impact of the Olympic Games

Zikun Li headshot

The Paris 2024 Olympics may be over, but for doctoral candidate Zikun Li, discovering societal implications of the Olympic games is an ongoing pursuit.

Continue reading “PhD candidate Zikun Li explores the perception and impact of the Olympic Games”