Katie Herman

Hometown: Hutchinson, KS

Institution transferred from: Hutchinson Community College

Major: Elementary Education

 

How did the availability of a scholarship, specifically for students who completed their associate’s degrees and transferred to K-State, impact your choice to attend K-State?

At first, I didn't even know about the scholarship, but it did help a lot because it made an impact. It is a great thing to have, and I think it will spark a lot of attention. It was very, very helpful for me.

How did the availability of a scholarship impact your choice to pursue further education?

Honestly, it helped with not having to get a loan. I'm coming into this with other scholarships. I don't need as much assistance. Going out of this debt-free is amazing and has made me want to stay and enjoy the program even more without having to worry about that financial aspect.

Why did you choose K-State and your major?

My brother is an alum of K-State, and he has always told me about the campus and how much it feels like home. I felt the home aspect at my last school, and I wanted that home aspect again. Visiting the campus really felt like home, and that helped impact my choice of K-State and the education department. The availability of all the technologies and everything really convinced me to choose the K-State College of Education.

How did you get involved, find your people on campus and feel at home?

The professors really make it very collaborative, and so you get to meet each and every person in your class. They really make it personalized, and that really helped bring together the homey-ness.

What has been one of your favorite experiences at K-State?

Game days are pretty cool, can't lie. The little events around campus, like right at the beginning of welcome week, they had [an event] for just transfers. That event also helped me ease into it because all these other people are going through the transfer process also. You know you're not alone.

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

Technology is a big part. In one of my classes, we used VR headsets and discussed how we can incorporate them into the classroom, labs, and everything in the library and downstairs in the building. Having all that accessibility to use anytime and being able to figure that out for your future classroom, I think, helps a lot.

Talk about the atmosphere in the College of Education. What is your favorite part about being in the COE? How do you feel supported by K-State’s COE?

The professors at the College of Education are definitely very, very supportive. I was having some medical issues this year, actually, and they were very accommodating. They really wanted to help. They understand your health comes first, but how can they help you complete your schoolwork when you're not in the classroom? Having communication with them sets you up for success.

If you were talking to a prospective transfer student about enrolling in the College of Education, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that they are going to absolutely love it. They are going to have a big support system through and through. Whether it's from other students, your professors or the dean and the assistant dean, they are very personable. Once you get to know all of them, it really is a big family. The K-State family and the College of Education make it even better. I'm so glad I chose here.

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

I'm going to go with my core teaching skills class. It's Dr. Amanda Lictide and Ms. Kaylee Myers. With those two together in that classroom, you never have a dull day. Those two together just make the environment so fun. They always have a smile on their face, or they’re always there to help. Even when you email them, you will always get a response from one or both, and they are very personable. They care about your well-being; they care about your mental health throughout the course, and they will do anything possible to make it simple. They try to get you thinking about how this will work in your future classroom.

What advice would you give to your younger self if they had questions about picking K-State or your major?

The advice I would give myself is to go for it. Despite your doubts or wondering if you would be a good teacher or would be okay in the classroom, once you step into it and experience through observation, you're going to do just fine. Each teacher is different, so just be yourself and go for it.

What are your plans after graduating from K-State?

After graduation, I want to find a school closer to Hutchinson. I already have connections with the district, so I'm hoping to go back there and teach. Then, within a few years, I do want to get my master's through K-State.

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

They already push you to be in the classroom through observation and field experience. That gives you a personalized experience of going to different schools [to practice teaching]. Sometimes it's the same one, but sometimes it's others [schools]. That definitely helps you, because you are in the classroom and get to see that aspect. You get to ask your questions to those who are teaching. All the materials they give you, you can keep and refer back to. That has helped a lot. I have half of our notes saved, so I can look back on them, especially for lesson planning, figuring out how you would set up your lesson plan with the actual lesson and doing a lesson plan in class. You have to create a lesson plan and present it on the subject you're studying, and I think that really helps.