Sawyer Wemyss is a Middle Grades Education major with a concentration in mathematics. She is minoring in Spanish. The Kernersville, N.C., native plans to graduate in May of 2029.
Why Did you Choose UNCG?
UNCG has a PHENOMENAL education program and compassionate teacher education staff members. When I was applying to colleges, the staff at UNCG was very communicative and helped answer all my questions. I toured campus several times and enjoyed the scenery, libraries (who doesn’t love the Michel Family Teaching Resources Center?), and study areas. I have no doubt that attending UNCG was God’s plan for my life. I’m excited to see what He will do next through UNCG!
What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the study nook on the fourth floor of the School of Education Building. It is peaceful, making it an excellent place to complete my coursework.
What activities and organizations are you involved in on campus?
I am a Global Honors and Residential College student. Through the Global Honors program, I will participate in community service and complete honors coursework. As a freshman, I am just becoming oriented to the UNCG club and organization scene, but I recently started attending Mercy Hill for college ministry and joined club tennis.
What experience at UNCG has had the most significant impact on you?
My roommate, a second-year student, has helped guide me through my transition to UNCG. She helped me feel confident and prepared to start college – and made sure I did not forget any dorm necessities! Rooming with her has had the most significant impact on me.
What has been your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is a tie between Calculus B and Changing the World through Education. The prior prepares me for my future content area and the latter prepares me for my future career field. These two classes are helping me combine logarithms with leadership and exponents with empathy.
What are your career goals?
My dream is to become a public school secondary mathematics teacher. As someone who loves school, I want to help other students love to learn as well. When a student loves to learn, school becomes a place of curiosity instead of boredom – a place of true growth. Public school should prepare students for the world they are about to inherit. I desire to help students become productive citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to be successful in life.
To help students become their best selves, I will use my time in college to become fluent in Spanish. In Kernersville, my home, and where I plan to teach, there is a large population of Spanish-speaking students. Language should NOT be a barrier to learning or building relationships with students. Becoming fluent in Spanish will help me help my students reach their full potential.
What made you want to choose a career in This Field?
My mother was the finance manager at my elementary school. I would come to school early and stay late because of her role helping teachers. It quickly became apparent that I LOVE to learn; however, it wasn’t until high school that I discovered I love to teach. I completed many field experiences through taking five courses of Teacher Cadet at my high school. I was also State President of Teacher Cadet and helped plan our state conference of more than 270 future teachers. Teacher Cadet showed me I have a passion for helping students reach their dreams and change the world through education!
What advice would you give a student considering UNCG and the School of Education?
I would advise them to meet with the advisor for the grade level he/she is considering teaching! My School of Education advisor has been incredibly responsive. She has answered all of my emails and even met with me via Zoom before I chose UNCG to explain what makes the school’s teacher education program exceptional!
How Has the Spartan Education Scholars Program Impacted Your Experience at UNCG?
The Spartan Education Scholars program gives me a community of fellow scholars with whom I can build relationships. I can ask them for advice any time! The Spartan Education Scholars Seminar helps strengthen this community by allowing us to gather in one space. Knowing I have a group of students with similar goals and ambitions helps me feel at home at UNCG.
The program is assisting me in reaching my goal of graduating college without debt. This will allow me to avoid working two jobs as a beginning teacher and focus fully on my students. I know this program is benefiting both me and them!
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