Meet Katie Herman

📍 Hometown: Hutchinson, KS
🏫 Transferred from: Hutchinson Community College
🎓 Major: Elementary Education

➜ How did the transfer scholarship impact your choice to attend K-State?

At first, I didn’t even know about the scholarship, but once I found out about it, it made a big impact.

It’s a great opportunity to have, and I think it will spark a lot of attention. It was very, very helpful for me.

➜ How did the scholarship impact your decision to pursue further education?

Honestly, it helped me avoid having to take out a loan.

I came into K-State with other scholarships, so I didn’t need as much financial assistance. Being able to graduate debt-free is amazing. It has also made me want to stay and enjoy the program even more without having to worry as much about the financial aspect.

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

My brother is a K-State alum, and he has always told me about the campus and how much it feels like home.

I felt that sense of home at my last school, and I wanted that feeling again. When I visited K-State, it really felt like home, and that helped influence my decision to come here and pursue education.

The availability of technology and all the resources in the College of Education really convinced me to choose K-State.

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

The professors really make classes collaborative, so you get to meet and connect with everyone in your class.

They make things feel personalized, and that really helped create that homey feeling for me.

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

Game days are pretty cool, I can’t lie!

I also really enjoyed the little events around campus. At the beginning of Welcome Week, there was an event specifically for transfer students.

That helped me ease into K-State because I knew all these other people were going through the transfer process, too. You realize you’re not alone.

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

Technology is a big part of it.

In one of my classes, we used VR headsets and talked about how we could incorporate them into the classroom.

There are also so many resources and technologies available in the labs, library and throughout the building. Having that accessibility and being able to figure out how those tools could work in your future classroom helps a lot.

➜ What’s the atmosphere like in the College of Education? How do you feel supported?

The professors in the College of Education are very, very supportive.

I was having some health issues this year, and they were very accommodating. They really wanted to help. They understand that your health comes first, but they also want to figure out how they can help you complete your schoolwork when you aren’t able to be in the classroom.

Having that communication and support really sets you up for success.

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

You are going to absolutely love it!

You’re going to have a big support system through and through. Whether it’s other students, your professors, the dean or the assistant dean, everyone is very personable.

Once you get to know everyone, it really does feel like one big family.

The K-State family and the College of Education make it even better. I’m so glad I chose K-State.

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

I’m going to go with my Core Teaching Skills class with Dr. Amanda Lickteig and Ms. Kaylee Myers.

With those two together in the classroom, you never have a dull day! They make the environment so fun. They always have a smile on their face, and they’re always there to help.

Even when you email them, you’ll always get a response from one or both of them. They are very personable, and they genuinely care about your well-being.

They care about how you’re doing throughout the course and will do anything they can to make things easier while helping you think about how what you’re learning will work in your future classroom.

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

Go for it.

Despite your doubts or wondering if you’ll be a good teacher or if you’ll be okay in the classroom, once you step into it and get some experience through observation, you’re going to do just fine.

Every teacher is different, so 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’d like to get my master’s degree through K-State.

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

Our professors already push us to get into the classroom through observation and field experiences.

That gives you a personalized experience of visiting different schools and seeing what teaching is really like. You get to ask questions and learn directly from people who are already teaching.

They also give you materials that you can keep and refer back to. I have half of our notes saved so I can look back on them, especially when I’m lesson planning.

We also create and present lesson plans in class based on what we’re studying. Getting that practice before you enter the profession really helps because you’re not just learning about teaching, you’re actually doing it.