Being a Human Ecologist has allowed me to focus on all aspects of social studies (history, government, economics, anthropology, etc.) as well as the legislation that surrounds education. By being able to look at topics from multiple interconnecting lenses, I will be able to allow my students to explore problems through their interests/lens while being exposed to the lenses of myself and their peers. This not only encourages students to use empathy and look at multiple perspectives with creating solutions but also shows them that everything in this world is interconnected so nothing can be addressed in isolation. Being a Human Ecologist has given me the ability to build a wide tool-belt that will help me as a teacher in the future.

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As a kid growing up in rural Maine, I loved school. I loved to learn and I loved to be around people. However, I had many friends who did not love school and had a hard time getting through. Luckily, our school had a great alternative education program which allowed many of my closest friends to be able to finish high school. These teachers were something special. They were not just teachers, but friends and a support system for their students. They knew that most of their students had a hard home-life and were able to work with them to push through. This is the type of teacher I hope to become and why I want to work with intervention programs. 

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Before moving to Bar Harbor, I lived in Oxford, Maine as well as part-time in Rumford, Mexico, and Jay, Maine. The more time I spent learning about my home state, the more I come to love this state for all the unique things that it is doing and has done. Many of those unique things I got to experience as a student. Examples of this range from changes in state-wide testing, proficiency-based diplomas, and ranked-choice voting. Through my studies at COA, I have come to admire the approachability of our State Legislators. My classmates and I have had multiple opportunities to visit the State House but also to interview legislators. My love for Maine is one thing I hope to bring into my classroom and inspire in my students. With Maine's decreasing, and aging, population it is more important now than ever to show young people the beauties of Maine.

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I was also a Girl Scout of Maine from first grade until graduation. Through this membership, I learned the importance of community service and life skills. Even if I didn't know it at the time, I was learning leadership skills, planning skills, money management, and community building skills. Most importantly, it gave me the drive to make this world a better place through stewardship and community involvement. There is no doubt in my mind that being a Girl Scout shaped who I am today and what kind of teacher I am. 

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Becoming a part of the COA community has opened my eyes to non-traditional education. I have dedicated my time here to the study of Human Ecology through the lens of the various education systems and policies in Maine. Through my studies, I have been able to link my personal experiences and beliefs to my teaching methods in a way only COA and its interdisciplinary curriculum could do.