Spread a Little Thanks

Spread a Little Thanks The fall season is coming to a close as Thanksgiving draws near, and I can’t help but feel a sense of thankfulness for all of the amazing opportunities the University of Illinois has provided for me in my two years here. Today I would like to thank all of the people that have shaped me into the student, friend, and future educator I am today. Thank you to my mentors, my professors, and especially my teaching assistants, who work tirelessly to ensure I have the tools I will need to succeed. Specifically, I would like to thank Dr. David Zola, Assistant Dean Kathy Ryan, and the academic advisors for the College of Education, Michael Parrish and Michelle Ellis. Their support goes far beyond their job titles. Their hard work and dedication to education has fueled my passion for teaching, and I know they will continue to challenge and support me throughout my career. I would also like to thank Jane and John Seiler, my scholarship donors. Because of their generosity and love for education, I am able to pursue my dreams. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank my seventh-grade social studies teacher (and inspiration), Mary Castellano, who sparked my love for teaching so many years ago. I want to thank the University of Illinois for providing me with an academic platform that constantly challenges me as a student. I am proud to be one of 40,000 students who are committed to innovation and the power of education. This school has become my home away from home, and making roots here has made me a well-rounded member of the community. There are so many others who I am thankful for: my family and loved ones, my friends, and my coworkers, to name a few. Because of all of you, I am able to succeed, flourish, and change the world. Thank you for all you do! Rachel Class of 2020 I am studying Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Social Sciences and Literacy in the College of Education. Although I now reside in Champaign, I am originally from Vernon Hills, a Northwest suburb of Chicago.