Noyce Scholar Profile
Abigail Soraci
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Elementary Education
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Stonehill College
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I was born and raised in Sturbridge, MA. I am now a junior at Stonehill College, double majoring in Elementary Education and Mathematics. I enjoy volunteering throughout the country. I have been to Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Washington DC, and New Orleans to serve in homeless shelters and assist in the rebuilding of homes destroyed by disasters. I have two very influential and supportive parents, as well as a brother who is currently a senior in high school.
Why do you want to teach:
I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I have always felt as though I have a unique ability to connect with young children, and I want to be able to do that for the rest of my life. I also believe that everybody deserves an equal opportunity for education, which is why I hope to teach in a high needs school district. I hope to be able to make meaningful impacts on each and every one of my future student’s lives, just as many of my elementary teachers did for me.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One semester, I went once a week for two hours to a local elementary school to observe the teacher for a pre-practicum for one of my classes. Every day I had been following the teacher around and observing how she taught. One day she offered me the chance to lead a math center. I was able to work with students individually and help them to learn how to tell time. This experience was so memorable because not only was this the first time I actually felt like a teacher, it also reinforced to me that my goal to be a teacher in the future was the right choice.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has already meant so much to me in just the few months that I have been directly involved with it. It has offered me so many opportunities to meet and interact with people who share similar interests with me. Noyce has also provided me with so many new unique and engaging ideas for teaching my future students in mathematics. I truly believe that the Noyce program will make me a better and more well-rounded future teacher, which is why I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the program.
