Carrie New – Spring 2026 Graduate

Name:

Carrie New

Major/Degree Program:

Secondary History Education 

Hometown/Current City:

Autryville, NC

Hobbies/interests:

I love to craft, volunteer, go to concerts or theme parks, and hang out with my friends and their pets!

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU? 

While I have had so many great times at ECU from visiting the Ron Clark Academy and Washington, D.C., my favorite memory was being able to go to Greece and seeing places like Olympia and the Parthenon, that I had only ever dreamed I could visit! This trip was so impactful for me as a history teacher, but I can now share this amazing experience with my students and show them that history is so much more than what they see in books or take notes on!

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

During my early educational journey, I had only a couple of good teachers who really made me feel confident and capable. The lack of enthusiastic teachers I had made me realize that I can be a part of a new wave of teachers who are passionate and prepared to help meet their students where they are at AND make education fun for everyone! I was inspired to focus on Social Studies and History because I am so passionate about helping students stay educated and involved in current issues! I want all my students to not just learn about good citizenship but to exemplify GREAT citizenship and be forces of good in their community and beyond!  

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here? 

I truly believe that my peers in the College of Education have made the biggest impact on my time here! From my best friends, roommates/suitemates, former classmates, and mentees- everyone made me feel so at home. When I was facing some of my hardest times here, my friends were the ones who carried me through, and I KNOW I would not be graduating without their support! 

What’s next after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to stay in the classroom for a couple of years, hopefully teaching Civics and Government, and then pursue my master’s in educational leadership to continue being the best educator I can be!

What advice would you give to future College of Education students?

My best advice to future COE students- choose your friends and support system wisely! My friends were some of my biggest supporters during my hardest days; so, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make connections because they might last a lifetime!!

How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step)?

The College of Education has provided countless seminars, workshops, trips, and experiences that have made me feel not just prepared to teach but prepared to be a professional in the classroom and within my school community. Having the support of not only a Clinical Teacher, Professors, University staff, and classmates is what makes being a future ECU educator one of the greatest honors!