Hannah Warren

Secondary Social Studies Education Major, with minors in AAADS & Child and Adolescent Mental Health

“I chose my program of study because I am passionate about history, and the field of education. I’ve always had an interest in working with youth, and I’m fulfilled by helping others grow and learn. In my time at IU, I’ve worked to supplement my educational experience with extracurricular activities that allow me to grow while serving my community. 

In my future classroom, I hope to foster an inclusive, inspiring, and engaging environment, where I am responsive to student needs. My career aspiration long term is to earn a leadership role in education in the policy sphere, to invoke change on a systemic level.”

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Shaniya Stanford

Counseling & Student Services with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

“I chose my program because I always wanted to work with children, just not in the aspect of teaching them but helping them find their way. Whether that's helping them plan their classes or their next steps after high school. I want to work in education because I have had great teachers and counselors who have made an impact on me, and I want to do that as well.

I want to get my master's in social work then transition to working as a high school counselor. Later (I hope to) work with higher education students (at historically Black colleges and universities).”

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Diamond Jackson

Secondary Education (English)

“I chose this program to study because I had two teachers at Merrillville High School that saw that this was the right career choice for me who became my mentor's overtime. As I've advanced in Education in post-secondary every day, I see why I choose to be an educator and that it's important also for marginalized students to have marginalized educators for representation so that we all can have better communities. Moreover, my hope for my future career is to be a high school English teacher and to be a teacher that allows all students to feel safe and included in my classroom, and for students to be able to look at me as a mentor or role model during good and bad times. And that I can make a great and meaningful impact on the seniors that I will be teaching before they go off into the world. I have a minor in Sociology, and I will earn a certificate in Educator Wellbeing Distinction at the end of this semester to help my students manage their stress and worries in healthier and beneficial ways so that I can get them to the next phase or stage in life!”

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E’Monie Mitchell

Elementary Education

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. There has always been something deeply fulfilling about the idea of helping children grow, learn, and discover their potential. Despite the doubts and discouragement from others, often centered around issues like salary and job challenges, I never lost that inner calling. Children naturally gravitate toward me, and I’ve always felt a strong connection to them. Choosing to study education isn’t just a career decision; it's a heartfelt commitment to making a meaningful difference in my community. Teaching is more than a job; it’s a purpose I’m proud to pursue.

I aspire to truly embody what it means to be a great educator, one who not only teaches, but uplifts, inspires, and empowers. My goal is to provide my students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. I’m committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels safe, respected, and excited to learn. More than anything, I hope to make a lasting impact on my students’ lives, just as so many of my own teachers did for me.”

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