As new students return to campus, three recent graduates of the IU School of Education share advice on what helped them along the way. Whether through a new experience through Global Gateway for Teachers or joining a student organization at IU, Cate Hansen, Cecilia Venegas, and Hannah Warren reflected on the lessons and support that helped them succeed.
Cate Hansen
BSEd, Early Childhood Education – May 2025
I graduated in May of 2025 with a BSEd in Early Childhood Education. I also minored in Theatre through the College of Arts and Sciences. I earned the Blended and Online License Addition as well as the Professional Distinction Certificate. I was a Peer Mentor for Patrick's F204 Champions class for three semesters and a New Student Orientation Peer Mentor for the School of Ed for this past summer and the one before. I also participated in the Global Gateway for Teachers program, staying in Australia and student teaching at Coal Point Public School for 10 weeks in Spring of 2025. Starting at the end of August, I'll be teaching 3rd grade at Abingdon Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia, which is about 30 minutes outside of DC.
Outside of school, I worked at a local childcare center for a year and a half as a Teacher's Aide. I was also Co-President of both Backdoor Comedy and Ladies' Night Comedy. All in all, I tried to do the most to maximize my time in college.
As an SOE student, I found that it was really important to develop strong and positive relationships with my professors and advisors. To be truthful, that's pretty easy to do in the School of Ed, as professors and advisors really want to see their students succeed! I also found that spending time outside of class at the School of Ed was nice as well. Finding a spot outside of home to do work was really helpful for my productivity. I used the SOE library and those second-floor tables often.
My advice to future and current students is super simple: get involved! Find something outside of school to occupy your time. Not only does the School of Ed itself have a ton of opportunities to meet new people, but so does IU in general. Finding something that you enjoy that isn't school is so important to find your people and keep your sanity. I absolutely recommend joining a club that meets once or twice a week because that's scheduled time each week to just be around other people and not have to worry about that upcoming project or paper due. Joining a club was my way of finding my friends, roommates, and circle of people that I enjoyed being around.
Cecilia Venegas
B.S., Secondary Education with a concentration in ELA and the Computer Science License Addition – May 2025
Throughout my time at IU, I had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of programs and activities. I was a Groups 2021 Scholar and Hudson and Holland Scholar. These programs offered me valuable resources and helped immensely with my transition into college. They also provided safe spaces where I could ask questions and seek advice whenever I needed.
Within the School of Education, I had the chance to student teach for 10 weeks in England through the Global Gateway for Educators program. This was an unimaginable experience where I connected with a new culture, education system, and met many wonderful people. I gained valuable experience and skills by teaching in an unfamiliar environment. I was also able to share pieces of my culture within my placement community and go on several trips around England. My favorite would have to be seeing Arundel Castle in April when the tulips were in full bloom!
My greatest piece of advice for first-year students would be to get involved as early as you can and relax. Adapting to college life can be tough, but remember you are not alone. There is a community waiting for you somewhere. It may be difficult to find at first, but I promise it is there if you look for it. I was a first-generation college student and Latina with no idea what I was getting into, but I found my home away from home at La Casa, joined a multicultural sorority, and found my best friends in the Hutton Residential Community in Forest. Your community is out there, but you may have to put yourself out there to find them.
Another piece of advice I have is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth comes from taking risks and going on adventures. This may look like attending events by yourself, voluntarily participating in class discussions, or simply saying hi to your neighbors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for advice. It can be uncomfortable to be in new situations, but that is where the most growth comes from!
Hannah Warren
B.S.Ed, Secondary Social Studies Education – May 2025
In my time at Indiana University, I found it most valuable to get involved with organizations that help my community, both on campus and nonprofit organizations. I also enjoyed learning more about things that were supplemental to my passions. I pursued two minors, in Child and Adolescent Mental Health & African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS). This summer (2025) and in 2023, I worked as a Peer Mentor for the School of Education’s New Student Orientation! In my senior year, I found community at my on campus job at the IMU Starbucks; I was also involved with the School of Education’s Dean’s Advisory Council, my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the AAADS Undergraduate Association, and Future Black Leaders, Inc.
My best piece of advice for students is to find meaningful ways to connect with the people and community around you. Whether it’s through an on/off campus job, organizations, academic communities, or other areas!