Noyce Scholar Profile
Alexandria Tanner
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, Secondary Education
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Greeley District 6
Background:
I was born and raised in Fort Collins, CO. I am currently a Senior at the University of Northern Colorado. I began my undergraduate career as a Biology major with an emphasis in Pre-Health. It had been my lifelong goal to be an Obstetrician, but my passion for helping other students has caused me to switch my major during my junior year. While enjoying my time at UNC, I have put a lot of my time and energy into being a Resident Assistant in the Residence Halls. This year I am the Senior Resident Assistant for a building on campus, and I absolutely love my job! I come from a very large mixed family, and I am the first child to go to college (and also child number six). Getting this scholarship means the world to my family and I am so blessed that they are so proud of my accomplishments.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I want to extend my passion of learning to other students. Coming from a family where studying wasn’t a top priority gave me a chance to really shine. I want to help others finding the courage in them to believe in themselves when learning and also to enjoy. Science is such a fascinating subject to me, but I know how difficult and overwhelming it can be to students. I struggled often in my science classes, but found the material to be so interesting. I want to bring that love of science and the world to young, curious minds.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience was at John Evans Middle School in the Greeley school district. I was a tutor for the Noyce internship, and placed at this school because it was struggling academically as well as financially. The students from this school had been growing up in a very poor neighborhood, and many of the students had no interest in learning or graduating. It took me about twelve weeks to get through to my group of students how incredibly smart they were and how many things they could do in the world if they just set their minds to it. Watching these students become more and more fascinated in what I was teaching them was the most amazing feeling.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has really meant the world to me. It has given me the opportunity to pursue my passions, something I might not have ever done if I hadn’t of started the internship. It has really helped me find myself and enjoy students, teaching, and learning. The Noyce program has blessed me so much.
