Each year, 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. 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.
This year, faculty in Secondary Education have selected Jessica Hiemstra as their Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Mathematics). Congratulations, Jessica!
Q & A with Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Mathematics), Jessica Hiemstra:
What academic accomplishment are most proud of?
I am most proud of my time as a student-teaching intern. I have been working toward this for so long and the experience was beyond what I imagined it to be. The way I describe it in a nutshell is that, though I have never been more physically exhausted in my life, my heart has never been so full.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be teaching mathematics in the fall at a local high school in Loudoun County Public Schools.
What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?
My favorite part of being a CEHD student is the people that made up the program. All of my professors were incredibly supportive, my classmates were great to dialogue and collaborate with, and the staff were so helpful with any issues I threw their way.
What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?
Get as much hands-on experience as possible. Also, observe and engage with as many professionals as you can that are in your field.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I am just super thankful for my time in the CEHD program. I have learned and grown immensely as an educator and I am excited and ready to tackle what lies ahead in my profession.