Sheemar Wilson – Spring 2026 Graduate

Name:

Sheemar Wilson

Major/Degree Program:

Special Education

Previous degrees:

AAS in Early Childhood Education, AAS in General education and AAS in Arts

Hometown/Current City:

Shelby, NC

Hobbies/ Interests: Reading, nature walks, day trips to try new things

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

I’m a distance learner but I have enjoyed traveling to campus for various things. The East Carolina job fair was a great opportunity to see my education from ECU at work. There were so many great school districts there, I had a chance to meet up with my cohort and visit the campus to pick up my cap and gown. There was such a great feeling of accomplishment and pride.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

The deep-seated belief that every student has a right to receive specialized education and support based on their needs. I have a 10-year-old son that is on the Autism Spectrum, and every time I advocate for students with Special Needs, I feel that I am advocating for him as well. 

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?

Lynn Mooring, my former advisor. She was always there to answer all question I had, ease any fears that I had or just a listening ear when I needed one. I don’t have the traditional support system, so for someone like me, Lynn made me feel supported and was vital to my success. 

What’s next after graduation?

I plan to enter my first official year as a NC teacher and I am considering returning to ECU for my Masters in Special Education.

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

Stay the course, this is a journey and not a trip. Network and reach out, you do not have to go at this alone. Find your team and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. 

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

The COE has helped me in so many ways but to name a few, in completing EDTPA, it taught me how to focus on one student and really focus on explicit and specialized instruction based on student needs. In student teaching, the gradual increase in time in the classroom under a clinical teacher helped me so much because I have an experienced teacher to receive that feedback from. The College of Education has helped me grow into a more reflective and intentional future educator. I feel more prepared to enter my own classroom, not just with strategies and lesson plans, but with the mindset of continuously learning, adapting, and advocating for my students.