Noyce Scholar Profile
Sean Nolan
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S., Adolescence Education, Physics and Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Math and Physics, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
SUNY Cortland
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Marathon Junior/Senior High Schoo, Dewitt Middle Schoo, Homer High School
Background:
There are several factors that contribute to my academic success. Internal factors, such as my own personal characteristics, include my excellent work ethic and organizational skills. I am very inquisitive, always wanting to learn more, and I am fortunate to have a good memory which enables me to retain and process information at a high level. In addition, I am an enthusiastic learner and very disciplined in regard to my study habits and decision-making processes. I am a compassionate and self confident person as well. External factors that contribute to my academic success include my stable, loving, and disciplined upbringing. Both my parents are very involved with my life and are loving and supportive. They are excellent role models. They both have college degrees, great careers, and are good compassionate people. My dad graduated from SUNY Cortland and has been a Physical Education teacher for 26 years.
Why do you want to teach:
Sometimes, students just need some guidance and support from a role model like a teacher. I hope to be that teacher one day: to influence a student to choose a positive path in life and learning.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My dad teaches in Frank P. Long Intermediate School, and he also has coached in the district. He has made a difference in a few of his student’s lives who came from poor upbringings. It is so rewarding to have these students come up to my dad as adults now and shake his hand and tell him how well they are doing. That is all the motivation I need.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has been very generous and kind to me financially and academically. I am so grateful that my academic achievements are being noticed and rewarded. A lot of financial pressure has been taken off of my shoulders, and now I can finish my education with focus and without worries. I am extremely thankful for the Noyce program.
