Student Spotlight:
NICOLE GARCIA Program Elementary Education B.S./M.S. Hometown Naples, Florida
Nicole Garcia is a student in the combined B.S./M.S. pathway in elementary education. As an undergraduate, she was involved with Florida State’s Honors Program as well as the Catholic Student Union. She routinely volunteers with local elementary schools as a way to give back to the Tallahassee community and gain more experience in the classroom. She currently serves on the College of Education’s Student Leadership Council where members provide for the mutual exchange of ideas and open dialogue between undergraduate and graduate students and the college administration. This past year, she helped facilitate the annual school supply drive that benefits a local school. Rather than conducting it in its typical brick and mortar style, the council was able to adapt and send out an Amazon Wishlist so that members of the College of Education could purchase items that would ship directly to the school. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, Garcia credits her parents for instilling in her the value of education and for encouraging her to follow her passion. What made you want to become a teacher? Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to become an elementary school teacher. Growing up, the classroom was always a place where I thrived. My teachers were always my biggest supporters and encouragers; they made me feel seen and known. In my future profession as a teacher, I desire
to create an environment in which my students can flourish just as I did. Another factor behind why I’d like to teach is that I believe education offers students the opportunity to pursue what they are passionate about so that they can rise above their circumstances. What made you choose FSU? Growing up in a tight-knit Cuban family, I always knew that I wanted to stay in state for college. However, I had no clue what school I wanted to attend. Senior year, I decided to apply to several Florida universities in hopes of finding the one that was the best fit. Specifically, when I applied to Florida State, I had no clue that I would end up attending school here. Nevertheless, once I received my acceptance, I figured that I might as well tour the school and learn a bit more about it. Prior to the tour, I remember researching the university and slowly becoming more and more intrigued by it. As soon as I stepped foot on Landis Green, I had a feeling inside that this would be the school that I would attend. Once I toured, not only did I learn more about the various opportunities for growth that the school would provide me with, but I also encountered an atmosphere that I loved. I also specifically remember being told that regardless of who I was, I would be able to find a home at Florida State. The rest is history. I have no doubt in my mind that this was the right school for me and am so grateful for the home that I have at Florida State.
THE TORCH - COLLEGE OF EDUCATION MAGAZINE | 19
