Noyce Scholar Profile
D'Arby Parks
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S., Chemistry
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Current academic or teaching status:
4th year undergraduate
School and school district:
Paseo High School, Kansas City, MO School District
Background:
I am from a single parent home and was born and raised in St. Louis. As a child I moved around a lot, so making new friends was sometimes difficult. During my earlier years of school I didn’t have much academic success, but once I made the decision to try my best I made great strides.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because there is a need in our communities. I know how it feels to be left to myself without a shimmer of hope, but as I continued some very influential teachers changed that. They walked with me and challenged me every step of the way, and I want to give back.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Since I my teaching experiences are limited to leading a small devotions and being a teacher assistant, I have not had many opportunities to teach. I would have to say, however, that the most memorable experience that stands out is when the student finally understands the material and the light bulb turns on.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Program has been a huge blessing because of the instructors. The instructors have shown me what it means to believe in someone and to have patience with them. Though the student makes mistakes and loses hope, as an instructor, I can offer a hand and words of encouragement so that the student will know that they are not alone. The Noyce program has taught me that I am not alone.
