Noyce Scholar Profile
Maggie Harris
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Life Sciences, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Rio Grande
Current academic or teaching status:
Fourth Year
School and school district:
Southern High School
Background:
I was born and raised in rural Urbana, Ohio. I lived on a farm and was very involved with academics, volunteer work, 4-H, and athletics throughout my high school years. I migrated south to the University of Rio Grande (URG) a few months after graduating from high school in an attempt to play soccer and obtain a nursing degree. I quickly realized that that was not my calling and changed my major to Education.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always helped my peers with homework and joined study groups just to help others who were having issues with assignments. After switching my major to education and simply observing the life changes happening within the classroom every day, I knew this was the profession for me. Educating others gives me the chance to give something to students that nobody can take away. I love the gratification of helping even one student learn something that they did not already know before. Knowing that I have helped just one student in a positive way is just another way to prove that this is my calling.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One of my most memorable teaching experiences was when I was observing a high school anatomy class for seniors. Many of the seniors in the class had no definite plans for their future, even though it was late in the year. As I introduced myself and told them my story, some of them began asking me questions. Some would ask why I chose to move to such a desolated area or why I even chose to go to college. Others asked why I would ever want to be a teacher in general. I told them that I wanted to help others and teaching gave me the opportunity to do so. I continued answering questions and aided with their labs and assignments throughout my time there. That summer, while I was registering for classes, I noticed one of the students from that anatomy class in the advising office. This particular student was not planning on attending college at all, but said that after hearing my story, he wanted to take the same path I had chosen with his education. I could not believe that I had influenced a student in such a positive way, but I was so grateful to hear that I had persuaded him to further his education.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be involved in the Noyce program. Not only does this program ensure that I can financially make it through my last few years as a student at URG, but it also provides me with tools and a support group to aid me academically. The program gives me the ability to connect with other successful Noyce scholars who can help me with my hardships throughout my journey to become an educator. This program essentially connects me to others who can help me be successful and also gives me the ability to pursue my degree with few financial burdens.
