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.

As a teacher education student, you’ve had experience in real classrooms from your very first semester.

Tell us about a particularly memorable experience you’ve had so far. When working with my students, I like to encourage them to be dreamers. I am usually very quick to ask students what they want to be when they grow up. I do this not with the intention of putting pressure on my students, but rather so that I can encourage my students and remind them that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

During my practicum experience in the spring of 2020, I remember asking a student about their hobbies and interests. Eventually, I asked them my go-to question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The student responded that they would likely just work on a farm when they were older because that is what their parents did. I responded by asking whether that was what they actually wanted to do. The student informed me that no, they would prefer a different career but that nobody in their family had ever attended college and that acquiring a college education was simply not in their cards.

My heart broke in that moment. I found it so sad that this student thought they couldn’t pursue their dreams because they didn’t think college was within reach for them. I told that student about my background, about how my parents were Cuban immigrants. I then told them that just because my parents couldn’t pursue college educations didn’t mean that I couldn’t. My dream was to become a teacher and growing up, I worked hard in school to be able to attend college. I told that student that this was possible for them too. I let them know that they had what it took. I began to notice a change in that student; they started putting in an effort like no other into their schoolwork. I complemented them on this, and they responded to me that they were putting in the work necessary to pursue their dream of going to college one day. I hope that they are able to accomplish that and more! Moments like that make a career in education all the more worthwhile.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

By far, the best advice I have ever received is to be kind always. You never know what someone else might be going through. This is why I strive to lead with kindness and compassion. Treating people with kindness has the power to make a small, positive impact on others and might even turn their day around. I especially try to keep this advice in mind when I’m in the classroom and working with other teachers and my students. Cultivating a classroom environment in which kindness overflows allows for all to feel respected so that students can excel in school.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I’d like to become an elementary school teacher and teach first grade. After a few years of teaching, I could see myself returning to graduate school to perhaps study school psychology or educational leadership. However, after graduation, my main goal is simply to focus on establishing myself as a teacher and giving my all to my profession. I am so looking forward to teaching!

What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a teacher?

Teaching is a worthwhile and rewarding profession. If you’re considering becoming a teacher, be wary of who you go to for advice on the matter. The majority of people you encounter will tell you to steer clear of the profession. They might tell you about the negative aspects of teaching, discourage you from the profession, or even worse, tell you that you are capable of being something “better.” I have encountered this time and time again. If teaching is something you truly feel called to, don’t let anybody discourage you from it. We desperately need intelligent and passionate teachers. Listen to your own desires and spend time volunteering at schools to confirm whether teaching is something that you could really see yourself doing.