When entering the classroom, my vision has always been to create a space where every student is given the freedom to reach their fullest potential and dream about their future. After my time at the UNC School of Education, I dreamed of returning to rural education. As a student teacher and a member of the first cohort of the Fellows for Inclusive Excellence, I got to experience the classroom at Carolina Community Academy in rural Roxboro, N.C. — before I even graduated — because of the generosity of donors in the UNC community. During my time in the classroom, I watched students develop confidence in their learning and grow to take risks that would become springboards for their academic and social growth.
As a first-generation college student, I have felt the gravity of this student-teaching experience. Growing up, the possibility of higher education was an afterthought as I considered what it would look like to provide for my family and make them proud. In my rural upbringing, I was always a Tar Heel basketball fan but had no clue it was an incredible university that would one day provide me the opportunity to bring resources and my teaching expertise to rural schools. Because of my experiences in the Fellows for Inclusive Excellence program, I have rekindled my desire to work in communities where graduation or higher education may not be introduced at a young age and may not be the most pressing concern.
When initially presented with the opportunity to student teach in a rural school, I was beyond thrilled, but when I heard about the hour-long commute, I was also intimidated. It is the tension of knowing the work that needs to be done and not personally having the means to make it work. Through the generous travel stipend, I was able to engage in this work in a meaningful way — without the weight of needing to find a job on the side.
This opportunity has been so impactful for me that I decided to return to Carolina Community Academy as a first-grade teacher. In this school community, we value our fellow educators and are deeply committed to our students. The small class size has maximized student learning and targets individual student growth. It gives me an opportunity to take what I have learned through the magnificent faculty at the UNC School of Education and apply it in the Roxboro community.
As I continue as a Fellow, I am eager to create and foster a classroom community that is safe yet challenging for students as they strive to reach their goals. I am beyond thankful for those who have made this chapter of my life possible.
Make your gift today to help ensure UNC School of Education students can take advantage of meaningful opportunities that Propel the World through education.
Sincerely,
Madison Sturdivant
2024 Master of Arts in Teaching graduate
Fellow for Inclusive Excellence