Throughout my quarantine experience, I also got to catch up with my other first-year ACES mentee, Abby McNickle. Abby is an out-of-state student, originally from Connecticut, and is currently studying English Education. While catching up, we talked about numerous things, ranging from quarantine habits to future professional aspirations.
ACADEMICS: Are you enjoying your major? Why or why not?
Just finishing her freshman year of college, Abby plans to continue studying English Education throughout the rest of her college career. Although her year was cut short, Abby enjoyed all of her education courses throughout her first year. Next year, she plans to continue taking pre-major courses for English Education, and hopes to get accepted into her major next spring semester. Specifically, Abby enjoyed her time in the FEEP program, along with her adolescent literature course. I hope Abby continues to enjoy her experience with her field placements and educations courses, it was so great to hear about it!\
INVOLVEMENT: How have you gotten involved on campus?
Last semester, Abby got involved in several different organizations across campus. Not only is she involved with the ACES program, but she is also involved with the organization 1Girl, a group that aspires to inspire young girls leadership tactics to encourage them to be strong, confident leaders. Abby is also involved in teaching international students English, and is also a part of a theatre group on campus. Abby also had a job on campus as an OA for the summer during orientations; however, due to COVID-19 issues, Abby will not be able to have this job any longer. Instead, she will spend her summer at home in Connecticut, working at Home Depot. All in all, she hopes to come back to campus in the fall and stay involved in her student organizations.
ACES: Have you enjoyed the ACES living-learning community in Smith-Steeb? Why or why not?
Throughout her freshman year, Abby greatly enjoyed her time spent in Smith-Steeb with her fellow ACE Scholars. In fact, Abby plans to live with a few of her friends that she made from the scholars program next year. She got along very well with her direct roommate, and they have become immensely close friends over this past year. Beyond her roommate, Abby has made a strong, close-knit friend group within the ACES program, and that is all due to being surrounded by fellow ACES throughout her entire freshman year.
CAREERS: Have you had the chance to explore your desired career through internships, field experience, etc.?
This past semester, Abby was enrolled in the First Education Experience Program— better known as FEEP. Although it was a bit challenging at first, Abby was able to enjoy her time in the classroom. Unfortunately, her time this year in FEEP was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. She wishes that she was able to help out with virtual lesson plans and assignments, but the program went in a different direction. Nevertheless, she plans to take EDUTL 2189 in the Autumn semester, which is the second placement course for education majors. I hope that we can return in the fall so Abby can enjoy a full semester experience in a field placement.
MISCELLANEOUS: What kind of goals have you set for yourself for this semester?
This past semester, Abby had goals of enjoying her education courses, especially FEEP. Despite having an abrupt ending to the year, Abby was still able to make the most of this semester and finish strongly academically. For next year, Abby has goals to get accepted into her major— English Education— and continue staying involved on campus. She also hopes to stay connected and close with her new friends throughout quarantine and summer break.
It was great to catch up with Abby. I was happy to hear she was enjoying time with her family during quarantine, while also staying productive. I hope that we can be reunited in the fall on campus, as I would love to continue serving as a source of advice and support for education, ACES, and college overall!