Student Profile: Courtney Olvey

Name: Courtney Olvey

Current degree program: MAEd Science Education

Previous degrees: Elementary Education with a concentration in Science

Hometown: Pinehurst, NC

Hobbies/interests: I love cycling, reading, being physically active, shopping, and teaching.

What drew you to pursue your current degree?

When I first came to ECU, I was a biology major because I wanted to be a pediatrician. When that did not work out I knew I wanted to work with children. I took my first Elementary Education class and loved it.

What made you decide to be an educator?

My step-father and my campus minister pushed me to take my first education class and from then on I have loved it.

What is your favorite thing about science education?

I have always loved science growing up so I knew I wanted to be a science educator. I love how science education is always changing.

What brought you to ECU?

What first attracted me to ECU was the medical school. 

Do you have any advice for students looking to pursue a degree in education?

Always follow your dreams. Take the leap and become an educator. Teachers do not get paid a lot nowadays but that isn’t the reason you become a teacher — it is because you care about children and their minds. 

Any final thoughts on ECU or working in education?

ECU is a great place for educators to grow and flourish. I am so thankful for the experiences and knowledge that I have gained here at ECU!