Julianne Bickley
Favorite Memory:
My favorite thing about my time at George Mason was my teaching cohort. I got to spend every day with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I was able to make life long friends.
Post-Graduation Plans:
After graduation, I will be teaching at Frederick Douglass Elementary School!
Maria Lopez Guerra
Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memory from my time at George Mason University was building meaningful friendships with classmates through the courses we shared. I also really enjoyed the class events where we presented projects and created activities designed for children. Those hands-on experiences helped me explore different teaching methods and gave me a better idea of how I want to run my classroom in the future.
Post-Graduation Plans:
My post-graduation plans are to begin my career as a teacher, whether that is in kindergarten or any grade that God has planned for me. I am open to where I am needed and excited to make a positive impact on students’ lives. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive classroom where all children feel valued and encouraged to learn. I also plan to continue growing professionally so I can be the best educator for my students.
Jacqueline Rivas
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memories from my time at George Mason were going to Panera to get a yummy drink while I work on my graduate assignments, going on nice long walks around the campus, and roleplaying counseling sessions with my classmates in the Counseling Program.
Post-Graduation Plans:
My post-graduate plans are to relax during the summer, then work as a school counselor and slowly start pursuing the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Then maybe… PhD? We will see. I need a break from school! I will miss you, George Mason.
Ryan Hutchinson
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memory from my time at George Mason was being able to volunteer at a Beep Baseball learn-to-play event hosted by George Mason for the university and Fairfax-area’s visually impaired community. Beep Baseball is baseball adapted for the blind and visually impaired by utilizing sound. I was able to utilize my skills as an adaptive trainer and pair it with my experience playing baseball. It was incredibly rewarding to teach an underserved community that had mostly never played baseball before.
Post-Graduation Plans:
I will be moving to Norfolk, Virginia and attending Old Dominion University in the fall for a two-year master’s degree in Adaptive Physical Education. I was able to obtain a graduate assistant position working at the university’s Human Movement and Special Education department. It is incredibly exciting and but also difficult to comprehend leaving the area, my workplace, my family, and my friends. I am crossing the threshold of a new chapter.
Sophie Hider
Kinesiology Program and Honors College Student
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memories from my time at George Mason have definitely come from the study abroad programs I have participated in: Italy and Spain. George Mason has such great study abroad opportunities, and it was awesome to be immersed in European culture while also continuing my studies!
Post-Graduation Plans:
Very soon after I graduate from George Mason (10 days, in fact!), I will begin the doctoral program in Occupational Therapy at VCU for the next 3 years!
Andrea Catacora
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memory from my time at George Mason is the accumulation of all the meaningful connections I made with my professors and peers. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to work with and learn from passionate and dedicated individuals, and I can step into the field feeling confident and ready to continue my growth as a therapist. Our work is challenging, but so rewarding, and it’s important to share in that joy together.
Post-Graduation Plans:
After graduation from the program, I plan to begin my counseling residency under the supervision of one of my former George Mason professors, and I couldn’t be more excited!