Student Voices
EDUC students share their experiences in the College of Education.
Sheyenne Downey
Major: Community Education and Social Change
UMass has truly been a supportive and inspiring place for me, especially within the College of Education. There’s always someone here who’s willing to listen, guide you, or simply be there when you need a conversation. My passion for education was sparked while working at a summer camp for children with special needs. That experience made me want to understand how I could make a lasting impact in the lives of children who often go overlooked in traditional settings.
I currently serve as the Inclusivity Chair for VIBE (Visibility Initiative for BIPOC Educators), a student group that builds community and creates empowering spaces for BIPOC future educators. One of my favorite classes so far has been EDUC 190D, Learning Through Games, Play, and Sports. It pushed me to think creatively and helped me develop a coaching-inspired teaching style!
Pierre Ayer
Major: Community Education and Social Change
Changing my major to Community Education and Social Change was daunting at first, but I haven’t looked back since. The transition was made seamless by the supportive faculty, kind community, and capable advisors at the College of Education.
My advice to freshmen is to take advantage of the people around you. Push yourself to make connections with both faculty and peers and you might suddenly find yourself with a new community that can support you and facilitate your growth as an educator. It is also important to push yourself outside your comfort zone with classes. My favorite class I’ve taken so far is EDUC 202, Intergroup Dialogue.
Ollie Hannaford
Major: Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education route has given me so many opportunities. I have met so many
awesome people and have learned
so much. The education department is growing in real time, and it is awesome to join the BIPOC community called VIBE, which opens doors to people that have similar experiences like me. I feel so included and seen in the education department and the staff are understanding and very engaged. I cannot wait to learn more and continue my journey to become a kindergarten teacher. I am so happy that I have the opportunity to grow and meet new people from all backgrounds.
Kat Keen
Major: Special Education
One of my favorite things about the College of Education is the faculty and staff I get to work with. Every day, I come to my classes knowing that my professors and the other staff in the building care about me, my wellbeing, and my academics. I love getting to come to the College of Education and know my professors in a deeper way. This also unlocks the ability to make connections between staff and students in extracurriculars, like Education Club, where we host professors as guest speakers to help pass their knowledge onto a larger group.
My favorite education course that I have taken is EDUC 167, Education and Film. I loved getting to watch movies and discuss interesting topics with my classmates.
Mia Auguste
Major: Community Education and Social Change, Elementary 4+1 Track
UMass has been such a great experience for me so far. There has been something to do each day, and I have had the chance to meet and talk with new people I wouldn’t normally branch out to at home. One piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to branch out and push yourself out of your normal comfort zone! You never know what new challenges will come your way and that’s the best part when it comes to learning.
The College of Education here at UMass has been nothing but welcoming ever since I switched my major. My favorite class so far has been Education 325: Introduction to Special Education.
Caleb Sawicki
Major: Community Education and Social Change, Elementary 4+1 Track
Coming into college as an education major can be intimidating. Everyone is coming from a different place with different experiences, but at the College of Education, those differences create greater classroom learnings. Every course I have taken has felt meaningful because each student is valued and their experiences create a diverse, collaborative classroom environment.
UMass can feel like a large campus, but there are so many activities like intramural sports, clubs, student organizations, and more. During my first-year, I joined the Education Club. I created lifelong friendships and connected with peers that are equally passionate about education. If you put yourself out there, you will find your community!
Thalia Williams
Major: Community Education and Social Change
Minor: Spanish
Growing up, I always knew teaching was meant for me. As the oldest of six siblings, I naturally stepped into a teaching role early on, as I often tutored my younger brothers. Guiding them has always brought me true happiness, and it’s what sparked my passion for becoming an educator.
Here at UMass, I’ve found opportunities to connect with others who share my passion for teaching. I joined VIBE (Visibility Initiative for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Educators), a new club within the College of Education that creates space for students of color to share experiences and build community. Two classes that have stood out to me the most are EDUC 167: Education and Film and EDUC 270: Child Development. Both classes helped me see the kind of teacher I want to be in the future.
Hailey Michenzie
Major: Early Childhood Education, Elementary 4+1 Track
Deciding to come to UMass was one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the faculty to the student body, UMass has given me more than I ever thought possible. I have made lifelong relationships, and have excelled in all aspects of my life. Transitioning into college was tough at first, but my professors, advisors, and friends made me feel supported. The College of Education values its students and cares about their wellbeing. I have deep, meaningful relationships with my professors, and know that their expertise and knowledge are valuable as I continue to learn and enter into the world of teaching.
At UMass, there are so many ways you can get involved. My biggest advice to freshmen is to get involved any way that you can. Meeting new people, trying new things, and finding your community are some of the best ways to make your time at UMass special.
Drew Schermerhorn
Majors: Special Education and Journalism
Adding an Education major was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The advisors and professors in the department made the transition seamless, allowing me to develop a better understanding of the importance of helping people engage with the world.
Now, through exploring the intersections of my separate learnings in Journalism, Special Education, and Public Policy, I look to focus on a career path that applies the teachings in all these professions.
The College of Education introduced so many opportunities in and outside of the classroom, providing me with numerous academic and social resources within a close and welcoming community.
Jessica Nadeau
Majors: English Literature and Community Education and Social Change
UMass Amherst is a great place to experiment with what interests you the most. At the end of my freshman year, I decided to add the Community Education and Social Change major to my English Literature major. The College of Education and College of Humanities and Fine Arts are excellent places to get involved with the UMass communities and connect with other students who share similar passions.
My piece of advice for incoming freshmen is to keep an open mind about taking different kinds of classes. The College of Education has amazing classes that non-education major students can enroll in. My favorite class that I have taken thus far is 393B Leadership & Education. This class had me rethinking the image of a leader and how leadership is embedded into our school systems.
Gabby Silvia
Major: Early Childhood Education & Psychology
From a young age, I knew that I wanted to work with kids. After years of babysitting, tutoring, and working as a camp counselor, I realized how much I love watching children learn and grow, which led to my decision to major in Education at UMass.
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at UMass was adding an Honors credit to EDUC 463: Principles and Methods of Math. I had the chance to observe and occasionally assist in a kindergarten classroom during math lessons once a week, and I loved seeing how much of what we learned in class was reflected in the real classroom setting.
I always encourage new students to get involved, whether through clubs, sports, or simply exploring different classes. It makes a big campus feel much smaller, and it opens the door to so many meaningful connections and opportunities.
Ruby Harmon
Major: Special Education and Elementary 4+1 Track
Minor: Sociology
The college of education is more than just a place where you take classes, it's a community full of strong, passionate people who want to make a difference in the world through education. You aren’t just another student in these courses. The professors, your peers and the entire college community make you feel valued and supported in everything you do.
One piece of advice I would give to incoming students is to say “yes!” to everything. This campus is so big and full of endless opportunities, so take advantage of it.
A couple of classes that I have loved are EDUC 325 ( Intro to Special Education) and EDUC 405 (Curriculum Development).