Rachel Connelly

Sophomore, Secondary Education

Omaha, Nebraska

I selected College of Saint Mary because of its small size, the rigor and reputation of its education program, and my advisor, who was quite helpful. I want to teach high school due to the cognitive abilities and changes that mark this time. I specifically chose Spanish and Theology because they encourage lifelong learning as well as alternate ways to view and communicate with the world.

At College of Saint Mary, each student genuinely matters. For example, professors and classmates know everyone’s name, and advisors continuously check on their advisees.

My professors are definitely advocates for my success. I never hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns, and they always go the extra mile. Together, the professors and students create an open, enthusiastic environment which fosters one’s desire to teach.

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the smile on a student's face when he or she first understands a concept. This helps me persevere when things become challenging. If I were talking to women who are considering College of Saint Mary, I would tell them to consider the student-teacher ratio, the numerous excellent programs, and the various extracurricular activities. And one more thing: I truly appreciate the reputation that College of Saint Mary has in the community due to the contributions of the alumnae.