FELICIA bLACK
What field are you currently working in?
I am currently a full time student in C & I, Early Childhood Education. Previously, I was a preschool teacher at the university’s laboratory school.
What are your goals after you get your degree?
I hope to work at the college level, and to support the professional development of preschool teachers at within public and private preschool settings.
What brought you to your studies at Kent State?
I was inspired by the early childhood education program during my first years as a preschool teacher at the lab school. I obtained my M. Ed while working at Kent State. So there was a smooth transition into the doctoral studies because I was somewhat familiar with the program.
Are you involved in any organizations/activities on campus?
I am looking for more ways to become involved with graduate activities on campus.
What are your most memorable experiences as a student of Kent State?
I really enjoy the athletic events! I have the opportunity to share in the school spirit!
What is one thing that you wish you had known before coming to KSU?
I wish I had been informed of how much bad weather the “snow belt” really gets during the winter, and I’m from Cleveland, Ohio!
DANIEL CASTNER
What field are you currently working in?
I am a kindergarten teacher in Stow-Munroe Falls and a C&I doctoral student focusing on early childhood education.
What are your goals after you get your degree?
I will continue to teach in Stow or will pursue a teaching position at a university.
What brought you to your studies at Kent State?
I had already had the opportunity to study with extraordinary professors and classmates at KSU as a pre-service teacher and as a graduate student. At Kent State, I have always felt inspired, intellectually challenged and at home.
Are you involved in any organizations/activities on campus?
No, but I'm trying to get to a doc forum outing.
What are your most memorable experiences as a student of Kent State?
Two early childhood faculty members invited me to present part of my Masters thesis at a curriculum conference (AAACS). At this conference, I met and attended the presentations of several curriculum scholars. Fascinated by the work of so many of the scholars, I realized that I wanted to continue to study at the doctoral level.
What is one thing that you wish you had known before coming to KSU?
I can't think of anything. This is my third degree at KSU, so I've been here forever.
CARIE GREENE
What field are you currently working in?
I'm currently a Hatha Yoga Instructor, a graduate assistant in the Middle Childhood Department & a Ph.D. Student in Early Childhood Literacy.
What are your goals after you get your degree?
Since I am a retired elementary school teacher with 32 years paid into the State Teachers Retirement System, my dream is to be a "gypsy" professor as I travel around the country, teaching and doing research.
What brought you to your studies at Kent State?
Being a "radical" from my days as a college student in the 70's, I have always loved learning and being in the university environment. So, I did this for FUN!
Are you involved in any organizations/activities on campus?
Because I enjoy being in a scholarly environment, I am a graduate assistant for Dr. Steven Turner. Also, I am active in the Kent State University Doctoral Forum and have presented yoga at our yearly retreat at Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center.
What are your most memorable experiences as a student of Kent State?
My most memorable experiences are "celebrating the day" by going to eat at Wild Goats or the White Hall's Food 4 Thought Cyber Café with my daughter who is a graduate assistant in the Philosophy Department at Kent State. What a joy! Many times we would sit with professors for wonderful conversations.
What is one thing that you wish you had known before coming to KSU?
The thing that shocked me the most about White Hall is the horrible parking situation.
SANDRA PECH
What field are you currently working in?
C& I - early childhood education
What are your goals after you get your degree?
To teach at the college level.
What brought you to your studies at Kent State?
I was supervising for the ECE program and really liked the philosophy that I saw being implemented in the classrooms and I decided I wanted to go back to teaching - so I chose Kent because of the ECE philosophy.
What are your most memorable experiences as a student of Kent State?
Getting to know and work with the faculty members.
Are you involved in any organizations/activities on campus?
Doctoral Socialization Forum
MONICA RATCLIFFE
What field are you currently working in?
I am an Early Childhood Education major.
What are your goals after you get your degree?
After I attain my degree I plan on teaching in an urban classroom or continuing my education and attaining a master's degree in early childhood.
What brought you to your studies at Kent State?
Kent State is known for its outstanding Education Program. I want to be the best, so I knew Kent State would be a challenge and beneficial to my education.
What are your most memorable experiences as a student of Kent State?
So far one of my most memorable moments at Kent State has been voting for the first time in this past presidential election and knowing that I was a part of history.
Are you involved in any organizations/activities on campus?
I am involved in Our Divine Unity Bible and I am also a McNair Scholar.In addition to those activities, I amone of the leaders of GIVERS of Anointed Movement Praise Dance Ministry.
Kristina Turk
What field are you currently working in?
Curriculum and Instruction & Early Childhood
What are your goals after you get your degree?
Teach at the college level to help prepare pre-service teachers.
What brought you to your studies at Kent State?
Excellent reputation. Early Childhood program.
What are your most memorable experiences as a student of Kent State?
I have met so many wonderful people. The friendships I have made are my best experiences.
What is one thing that you wish you had known before coming to KSU?
I wish I had mastered APA prior to coming to campus. This task would have made my studies a tad easier.
More student bios...coming soon.
