Meet Jordyn Fleckenstein

📍 Hometown: Jennings, KS
🏫 Transferred from: Kansas Wesleyan
🎓 Major: Physical Education and Health

➜ Why did you choose K-State and your major?

When I looked into transferring to K-State, I really liked the program and the people who introduced me to the university. They walked me around campus and introduced me to the College of Education and the program.

I also really liked the amount of technology available to education students. That was something that stood out to me when I was deciding where to transfer.

➜ What do you think sets K-State apart from other universities?

Technology is a big thing, but I also really like having the Catalyst.

It gives education students a place specifically for us to hang out, work and access a bunch of different resources. I think having that space and those resources definitely helps.

➜ What advice would you give your younger self when choosing K-State or a major?

Don’t let other people influence you not to go into education just because it’s a tougher profession to enter right now.

I’m just following my heart because I didn’t start out in education. I originally started in personal training, but I realized education was where I wanted to be.

➜ What would you tell a prospective transfer student about enrolling in the College of Education?

Absolutely do it!

I came in as a late transfer, and the College of Education still pushed me to get into the classes I needed, so I didn’t have to stress about staying on track.

The College of Education is really good about getting transfer students into the classes they need because they understand that those courses are important for staying on track.

The environment is also very friendly and family-like. Everybody loves it, and it’s a great atmosphere. It’s always positive.

➜ What has been your favorite course or professor at K-State?

I love all of Dr. Ellner’s classes. He’s great!

I have him for most of my classes right now because I’m taking my core Physical Education courses. He’s super laid-back, and we do a lot of hands-on activities rather than just writing papers or learning through lectures.

My favorite class is probably Introduction to Physical Education, which is with Dr. Ellner. I really like that he lets us learn by doing.

➜ What are your plans after graduating from K-State?

I plan to either head back toward home or go to another smaller school.

If I end up at a smaller school, I’d like to teach K-12 Physical Education so I can work with a wide variety of students and grade levels.

➜ How are your experiences, classes and professors preparing you for the transition from college to career?

I love that we get real experiences in schools.

In one of my classes this semester, we went to an elementary school and actually got to teach the kids. It’s nice to have that hands-on experience early on.

I’m only a sophomore, and we’re already getting out into schools through our classes. It’s completely different from teaching our classmates. Teaching actual elementary students versus teaching other 20-year-olds is very different when it comes to behavior, communication and interaction.

Getting that experience early really helps us prepare for the profession and understand what it’s actually like to teach.