Noyce Scholar Profile
Nicole Van Horn
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Secondary Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: High School Biology
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Newberry College RE-Mast
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Student at Newberry College
Background:
When first entering Newberry, I was a pre-med student and was preparing for a career in neo-natal cardiology. After taking an education class in conjunction with my biology class, I remembered my passion for teaching and saw new potential in myself. After this I changed my major to Secondary Education with a concentration in Biology.
Why do you want to teach:
Teaching has always been my passion and as a teacher I can help to empower my student to accomplish the dreams they didn’t even know they had. As a teacher I can also help build school spirit and enthusiasm by coaching.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
When first becoming a Noyce Scholar, I went back to my home town to help a fellow mentor. Upon entering the school a small boy approached me, stared at me and then hugged me. It took me a minute to remember who he was but it didn’t take him anytime to remember that I was Ms. Nikki. As he walked away he looked back and simply said thank you.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has opened new doors and possibilities for my future. Not only has it given me the option to specialize in high school science and mathematics, but it has also supplied me very many resources that will better my future lesson plans.
