Katie Kairys
Physical Education '12
Hometown: Geneva, NY
Why did you choose the School of Education at SU?
I choose this school because I wanted to go to a big school, but wanted small classes at the same time. School of Ed is small enough that even the Dean knows you, but we are part of a much bigger school so we get the best of both worlds. I could not ask for a better advisor. Being in a small major makes you known, and makes it so your advisor actually knows more than just your name. It is amazing to have these wonderful relationships with our teachers and staff, because you can really turn to them for anything.
What has been the most valuable learning experience in your time here?
I definitely have had many experiences with being able to teach. We start student teaching freshman year, and it helps so much with getting rid of jitters and knowing more of what is going on for teaching. I have found that college really allows you to find yourself. It is ok to be whoever you are, and whoever you want to be. I have found some really great people here. I am constantly learning life lessons from professors and peers alike.
What are your plans for when you leave SU?
After SU I hope to be a teacher in a city. I can’t decide exactly where, but I want to work on my masters within the first few years of teaching. I just hope to find a good job that can support me and make me happy.
What is a favorite memory of your SU School of Education experience?
I really like being a Peer Advisor. Being able to guide incoming students was really fun, and it was nice to meet a few more people. I actually became friends with some of them, seeing as they were in similar classes of mine. I also really loved our PE picnic. We had a meet and greet picnic and played Frisbee the first weekend before school for all the new PE kids.