Student Profile: Denisse Rosales
Name: Denisse Rosales
Current degree program: Elementary education, psychology concentration/minor
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Hobbies/interests: Going to concerts, trying new foods/things, scrapbooking, & drawing
What drew you to pursue your current degree and made you decide to be an educator?
My experiences working with children in the past has drawn me to pursue a career in education. Through my experiences as a camp counselor, tutor, etc., I have enjoyed getting to know each child personally and seeing them grow within the time I spent with them. I believe being an educator will be a fulfilling and rewarding career as I will be able to teach children and watch them learn and grow as individuals every day. As a future educator, I want to be able to make a positive impact on students’ lives and be someone who cares for their development and individual needs.
What is your favorite thing about elementary education?
One of my favorite things about elementary education is children’s literature. I love how creative and expansive children’s literature is and the versatile ways books can be used in the classroom. I especially love multicultural literature since it is vital to expose children to diverse perspectives to help them garner a better understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.
How has the ECOS/ELLC benefited your college experiences?
The Education Community of Scholars has allowed me to meet like-minded people who are also pursuing a career in education, many taking the same classes and going through the same process as I am. Thus, having the ability to connect with and ask others for help has greatly benefitted my experience at ECU. Moreover, being able to learn from experienced others through meeting North Carolina Teachers of the Year, listening to their speeches, and even participating in professional development at Ron Clark Academy, has taught me an immense amount about the highs and lows of teaching, diverse teaching styles and educational pedagogies, as well as the many opportunities available in the field of education.
What brought you to ECU?
The education program is what brought me to ECU as it will and is currently preparing me to be the best educator I can be. It is helping me build the necessary skills and knowledge to reach my professional goals as an educator.
Do you have any advice for students looking to pursue a degree in education?
I have felt very challenged by coursework, practicums, and meeting expectations while advancing through the elementary education program. In my time at ECU, I have also met amazing professors that truly care about you and your success in their classes. My advice is to put effort into the work you do and to ask your professors for additional help and build relationships with them!