Jocelyn L’Italien will be starting her first year teaching at Mt. Abram Regional High School in the fall. As a recent graduate, she is feeling very prepared thanks to the many professors at Thomas who helped her along the way. In the Education program she spent a lot of time creating lesson plans and working on projects with her classmates. She had the chance to present at both a regional and a national conference; she served as an officer for clubs; and, was an orientation leader, which helped her push her own boundaries. Jocelyn believes that for those reasons; her dedication in the classroom; her willingness to work as a team; her experience as a leader; and, the opportunities she had as a student will play an important role in her success as a teacher. 

“It wasn’t until the fall of my freshman year that my choice to become an educator really struck me. I am glad I found Thomas College, since the Education program was changing, developing, and growing. I got the chance to attend the opening of the Lunder School of Education. Each one of the professors in the Education and English departments really showed me a love for teaching. Even outside of those programs, within the psychology program, Dr. Cindy Lepley showed me the passion and the love for teaching. Taking classes with her empowered me to become a better educator and care as much as she did.”

Jocelyn already misses being a student at Thomas, especially because of the people she got to see on campus every day. But, she has a good feeling that there will be many similarities between Thomas and her new stomping grounds. “I changed tremendously through my time at Thomas; it’s a community, and we grew together.” Success seems inevitable for Jocelyn as she starts her teaching career this fall!