Meet the Major: Emily, Education & Spanish

Emily, an education and Spanish major at the University of Massachusetts, smiles on the beach on a winter day

Why did you decide to come to the University of Massachusetts Amherst?

I actually decided to come to UMass Amherst because of the Isenberg School of Management. I was accepted as a hospitality and tourism management major, but I fell in love with some of the education classes here at UMass. I decided to change my major to education and follow what I am truly passionate about, which is teaching. Another reason I chose to come here is because I wanted a campus that could give me so many opportunities. “Big school means big opportunities” is what I like to say!

Why did you choose your major?

I chose my major because I knew I always wanted to work with children. I have had so many incredible teachers in my life who have fueled my love of learning and I hope to do that with my own students one day.

Emily, an education and Spanish major at the University of Massachusetts, smiles on the beach during a picnic

What are the professors like?

My professors are all amazing people who have taught me so much. As educators instructing future educators, they teach so much more than just the curriculum. I love going to class and office hours and just listening to them talk about so many different topics!

How do you plan to use your degree? How have you prepared for this path?

I plan to use my degree to become a teacher, hopefully on the early childhood path. This past winter break, I had the opportunity to work in a preschool classroom and I fell in love with it, so I hope to be a preschool teacher in the future.

Any tips for incoming students within the major?

My biggest tip for education majors is to work with kids any chance you get, because:

Kids are so much fun to be around
The experience is so valuable when you do want to work with kids in the future