Elementary education major Sydney McKeaver, from Siloam, North Carolina, recently shared the impact that being a Golden LEAF Scholarship recipient has had on her academic career at a celebration event. McKeaver was one of two of the 65 recipients selected to speak at the event.
“From the time I was in middle school, I have been sure of two things: that I wanted to attend App State, and that I wanted to be a teacher in my hometown in Surry County,” said McKeaver. “With the help of App State and Golden LEAF, both of my dreams have come true.”
“In addition, through a partnership with Golden Leaf and the Center for Creative Leadership, I have been given the opportunity to complete internships in Surry County Schools the past two summers,” she added. “The connections I made through those internships led to a full-time job offer to teach third grade in Surry County after I graduate.”
"Through a partnership with Golden Leaf and the Center for Creative Leadership, I have been given the opportunity to complete internships in Surry County Schools the past two summers. The connections I made through those internships led to a full-time job offer to teach third grade in Surry County after I graduate.”
The Golden LEAF Scholarship strives to increase economic opportunities for North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed areas by investing in students who commit to attend a North Carolina institution, graduate, and return to a rural community in the state. In addition to covering financial expenses for college, it provides leadership development opportunities, exposes scholars to career experiences, and creates connections to the community of Golden LEAF Scholars across the state.
McKeaver chose to pursue a degree in education because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I want to be able to empower students within their learning to become strong individuals who can go on to make a difference in our society,” she noted. “The joy I feel when I walk into a classroom is indescribable — knowing that I get to help these students learn and grow and find their purpose, the way I have found mine.”
In October, McKeaver spoke at a celebration for the Golden LEAF Scholars at App State. Photo by Chase Reynolds.
After graduating from App State this December, McKeaver plans to teach third grade at Dobson Elementary School, the school she attended when she was a child. As an accelerated master’s student, she will continue to pursue her master’s degree in reading education with a certificate in autism.
McKeaver said that if she could give advice to any incoming teaching education majors, it would be:
- to “enjoy every minute”,
- to “make connections with the fellow educators in your classes - you will find some of your best friends”,
- to “not be afraid to ask for help”, and
- to not give up - “it will be hard some days, but you're working towards the best job in the world!!”
Sydney speaking at event
