Noyce Scholar Profile
Meya Mate
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S., Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at Arlington
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior/Senior
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I'm a very self-disciplined and extremely hardworking, determined student. My parents did their absolute best to instill in me the importance of education and utilizing one's resources and opportunities to their full advantage. I believe that anything can be done as long as one puts their mind to it and never quits. Being the oldest has taught me to act responsibly because there are younger ones watching, and I want them to be proud and feel inspired by me any chance they get. A motto I live by everyday is that "the toughest battles are fought by the strongest warriors" and although it may seem unfair or wrong, everyone has a story, and I plan to make mine the best it can be.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I want to leave a footprint in a student's life. I want to impact someone's life so that one day they might look back and say, "Wow, Ms. Mate really cared about me and dedicated her time to helping me figure out just what I wanted to do in life." Teachers are looked down upon, but yet they are the ones who have some of the biggest influences on students next to their parents. Without teachers, where would we all be today? I view teachers like a map or GPS: they are a guide to your destination. I would love to be the person a student feels comfortable to share their dreams with and to bounce ideas off. As a teacher, my job is to facilitate a child's learning and eventually lead them to success. That's the most rewarding job for a teacher.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
A memorable experience I had was during my first time teaching. It nerve racking and unbelievable, but it turned out to be one of the best times of my life. My partner and I did an outdoor activity with a 5th grade class where we printed out pictures of animals and students were to classify them as producers, consumers, or decomposers. The students were very engaged, and it was just amazing to see their wild imagination come to life. Everyone was having fun and in the process learning as well. I think that was what stood out to me the most was because we had made learning "fun" for the students, and it's something they will remember and use throughout their years of school. It certainly was a memory I'm sure to remember forever.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program means a lot to me. First, it has given me the financial ability to pursue my goal as a teacher. It also has provided a guide to give me a sense of direction and security until I reach where I eventually want to be in life. I really appreciate this program and the people behind it for giving me such an opportunity and trusting me. I plan to make the best out of it and be an amazing, noteworthy teacher.
