Noyce Scholar Profile
Rebecca Weinel
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: MAT
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
Clemson University
Current academic or teaching status:
First year MAT
School and school district:
Greenville County
Background:
I was raised in Simpsonville, SC along with my two sisters. I participated in many sports growing up including softball, volleyball and basketball. After high school, I played softball at USC Upstate for two years before transferring to Clemson University. I majored in Biological Sciences and spent my free time officiating and participating in Intramural Sports. I am now married to my high school sweet heart and am starting the MAT program at Clemson University.
Why do you want to teach:
When I first started at USC Upstate I was taking courses in Physical Education. I knew I wanted to be a teacher but I never knew what subject interested me the most until I took my human anatomy and biomechanics courses. When I decided to transfer, I knew I wanted to learn more about science and decided to change my major. I thought about pursuing physical therapy after graduation so I took a job at a physical therapy clinic to learn more about the field. After a few months of work I realized that I could not see myself becoming a physical therapist and I wanted to continue to pursue my dream to teach and coach high school students.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have worked at the YMCA day camp for four summers. Each child there has impacted me and inspired me to become a teacher.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce TigersTeach program means the world to me. It is going to allow me to have all the resources and guidance I need to prepare me to enter into my teaching career. I would not be able to enroll and complete the MAT program without the financial assistance they have given me to follow my dreams and goals and for that I am very grateful.
