The Education Peer Ambassador Program is a unique leadership opportunity for students of undergraduate teacher education programs at Appalachian State University. In their role, they support fellow students by working at the front desk in the James Center for Student Success and Advising as well as serve as hosts to prospective students and guests of the Reich College of Education. They assist at all of the recruitment events and provide building tours to prospective students, donors, and faculty candidates.
This spring there are nine new additions to the Education Peer Ambassador Program. Each ambassador brings their own perspective as a student to the program. The James Center looks for a variety of education majors to provide a well-rounded group of ambassadors. Meet all 20 of the ambassadors and learn why they chose to come to Appalachian, what or who inspired them to become an educator, and why they wanted to be an ambassador for the Reich College of Education.
Questions? Please contact Octavia Little for more information.
Meet Ryan Carter
Ryan is a mathematics secondary education major from Lewisville, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
Teachers have been a steady support throughout my life, so I decided that I wanted to be that support for students who may need it.
Why Appalachian?
I was always told Appalachian was the place for teachers. But after a trip to visit with my high school, Appalachian just felt like home to me.
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
I wanted to pass along my amazing experience with Appalachian as it relates to education.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
To keep a positive and flexible attitude towards everything you encounter.
Meet Andrew (AJ) Deleon
AJ is a health and physical education major from Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
My high school P.E. teacher inspired me to become a P.E. teacher. She was the highlight of my day every time I would walk into her classroom so I decided that I want to be just like her and be that for my students.
Why Appalachian?
This school was highly recommended by lots of people when I was looking for a college; they all said it’s the best for teachers.
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
To be honest, I wanted to become an EPA so I’d have a place to fit in. To have a place where I could be myself and not have to worry about anybody judging me.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
This field requires a lot of work and dedication but has so much reward when done right so just make sure that your heart is fully in this so you get the best experience.
Meet Jordan (Jojo) Dennison
Jojo is an elementary education major from Asheville, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher is my calling because I have a strong passion for culture and education. Working with children brings me unimaginable joy. The happiness I feel when I look at children who are connecting with one another or learning an important concept proves to me that I am in a career field that is perfect for me.
Why Appalachian?
Appalachian State was my first college choice because it has a rigorous, hands-on college of education with many opportunities for me to grow. I want the best education for myself, and I want the best education for others. Earning an elementary education degree from Appalachian State will give me the skills I need to be an approachable, inspiring, understandable, and thought-provoking teacher.
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
I wanted to become an Education Peer Ambassador because my first semester at Appalachian was tough. I was having a difficult time adjusting and fitting in with the Appalachian community, but the only place where I could take a breath was in the Reich College of Education. I knew that being involved with the college would help me feel comfortable in my own skin.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
To the prospective students, Appalachian is first in education. If you want a course of study tailored to your needs as a learner and future teacher this is absolutely the place to be. I can say beyond a reasonable doubt that the Reich College of Education is my home. Everyone in the college is very nice, and it is never too early to start making connections. So, reach out, study hard, and thrive at App!
Meet Isabel DuBose
Isabel is an elementary education major from Waxhaw, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
I have always loved children, my mother is an amazing teacher of life, and my elementary school teachers were all great, so all of that combined inspired me to teach.
Why Appalachian?
When I realized I wanted to be a teacher, I found that Appalachian's education program was amazing, and I loved the campus when I first visited.
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
I love to spread my love for teaching and Appalachian State, so I figured this job would be the best for assisting others like me.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
Do a lot of research about what is required of you. Work hard and focus, but do not forget about caring about yourself. There will be good days and bad days, but ultimately it will always be rewarding.
Meet Kate Duran-Rivera
Kate is a middle grades mathematics and social studies education major from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
Middle school is the stage in which kids start going through various changes. It’s the stage before they go into high school and have to start making important decisions. By teaching middle school I hope to be able to positively guide students through that stage.
Why Appalachian?
The scenery and welcoming community!
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
I wanted to become an Education Peer Ambassador to share my love for Appalachian with prospective students. When I was in high school they played a big role in me coming to school here.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
Build relationships with faculty and staff.
Meet Kamryn Harris
Kamryn is a history, social studies education major from Mocksville, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
My high school English and yearbook teacher, Mrs. Shue, inspired me to be a teacher because of not only her passion for her subject but her passion to be a mentor/friend to her students and showing that she truly cares about each and every one of them.
Why Appalachian?
I chose Appalachian because it's the best teaching college in the state. And I love cold weather. As soon as I stepped on campus for an open house I knew I was home.
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
My major being history, social studies education, it's really easy to get wrapped up in only the history side and sort of feeling like you're stuck in Anne Belk all day. I wanted to get more involved with the education aspects of my major.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
If you want to be an educator and you know deep down in your heart it’s what you were born to do, don't listen to anyone else but you. Teaching isn't about a paycheck, it's about the impact.
Meet Elizabeth (Liz) Jenkins
Liz is a birth-kindergarten education major from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
My first-grade teacher, Ms. Dancy, really cared about me and made a difference in my life. I owe it to her for a lot of the reason that I want to be a teacher. Since then, I have never wanted another career besides teaching. I've always had a heart for young children and making a difference in their lives early on.
Why Appalachian?
I chose Appalachian because it felt like my home away from home. The education program is amazing and the most enriching. Appalachian stressed the importance of teachers, and they recognize the work teachers do.
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
I wanted to become an Education Peer Ambassador because I wanted to meet prospective students and their families and tell then how great Appalachian and the Reich College of Education is. I also wanted to represent the Reich College of Education and help others along the way.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
I would tell them to really dive into the Reich College of Education and get involved with the wonderful programs and opportunities they offer. The faculty and staff within the college love to build relationships with students.
Meet Keziah Lacey
Keziah is an elementary education major from Nashua, New Hampshire.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
I wanted to become a teacher because of my third-grade teacher. She is the most kind-hearted and friendly person, and I want to be that person to my future students.
Why Appalachian?
I fell in love with this school because of the location and education program.
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
I want to be as helpful as I can be to prospective and future students of Appalachian.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
Get involved as much as you can! I got involved with the App Educators, and it gave me so many opportunities within the Reich College of Education.
Meet Kate Smith
Kate is a special education major from Matthews, North Carolina.
What or who made you want to become a teacher?
The reason I want to become a teacher is so that I can create a safe and comfortable space for those who may not have that at home. I want to give students confidence in themselves through learning so that they can be the best of what they can be. Students deserve to be treated equally to everyone else no matter what background or disability and I want to be able to provide that to my students.
Why Appalachian?
I chose Appalachian because of all of the amazing teachers that I have had through my early education. These teachers were the ones that I could truly connect with. Appalachian started as a teaching college and has so many high standards for their teachers, which is something so inspiring for a future educator. Also, I love football and what better football family than App State!
Why did you want to become an Education Peer Ambassador?
I wanted to become an Education Peer Ambassador so that I can tell all future educators that Appalachian is the place to be. If you want to be an amazing teacher who impacts student's lives, our professors will be teaching you how while they impact your own life.
What tips or advice do you have for incoming freshmen and/or transfer students about majoring in education?
A tip I have for first-year students and/or transfer students who are majoring in education is to make sure you are using all of the resources that are provided to you including the James Center for Student Success and Advising, professional development, special speakers, etc. There are so many opportunities in the Reich College of Education that can make you the amazing teacher you dream of being.
Education Peer Ambassadors
