As an Integrated Studies major with minors in Business Administration, Environmental Studies, and Geography, I believe that I bring a diverse academic background to my future role in the field of education. Each of these areas of study offer unique perspectives and practical tools that can enhance my effectiveness as an educator and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities within the education and training cluster.
Whether it’s incorporating sustainability into science lessons, connecting geographic concepts to real-world issues, or applying business skills to manage educational programs and activities, my coursework has helped to prepare me for creating engaging, relevant, and impactful learning experiences for students.
Business Administration
Studying business has allowed me to gain valuable skills in organization, management, and leadership, as well as providing instruction in developing essential skills such as budgeting, strategic planning, and effective communication. I’ve been able to strengthen my proficiency in software and technology use relevant to administrative and instructional settings.
These skills are also valuable in roles beyond the classroom, such as curriculum coordination, school administration, or educational consulting. Together, these experiences have equipped me with a flexible skill set that can adapt to the evolving needs of the education field, supporting my goal of becoming an elementary educator capable of contributing both in the classroom and within broader educational settings.
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies has deepened my understanding of sustainability, climate issues and solutions, and environmental processes. This knowledge allows me to bring important real-world topics into the classroom, especially in science and social studies, where students can explore the impact of human activity on the planet and the importance of environmental stewardship.
By integrating concepts like the benefits of renewable energy, conservation, and environmental justice into lesson plans, I can encourage students to utilize critical thinking skills and foster a sense of responsibility for these young learners.
This foundation also opens opportunities to work with outdoor education programs or schools with green-focused curricula – settings where hands-on learning is emphasized and supported. As global awareness of the climate increases and is further considered, my background positions me to contribute meaningfully to education practices that prepare students for a more sustainable future.
Geography
My background in geography enhances my ability to teach about global issues, human-environment interactions, and cultural diversity, allowing a solid foundation for understanding how the world functions on both a local and global scale. This knowledge allows me to expand on topics such as migration patterns, population growth, and natural resource development and distribution, providing students with a deeper understanding of the interrelations of the world.
This area of study also supports teaching roles in social studies, earth science, and global citizenship education, where I can encourage students to think critically about the challenges and opportunities facing different cultures and societies. Additionally, my understanding of geography enables me to create interdisciplinary lessons that link geographic concepts to current events, climate issues, and students experiences.
Throughout my academic experience, I’ve had the privilege of learning from exceptional professors whose insight, perspectives, and teaching styles have deeply influenced me. Their ability to engage and inform has encouraged me to bring that same energy and effectiveness to my own future teachings. These individuals have inspired me to create an environment where students feel empowered to ask questions and connect what they learn to the world around them.