Physics teacher in the making

A mathematics and secondary education major, Caroline took Physics I and realized she could enjoy teaching that subject as well, so she added a physics education major. She hopes to return to Colorado following graduation to teach in a smaller school, where she can make close connections with students like those she experienced at Northwestern. Her involvement in campus life has included competing on the basketball and track and field teams, writing for the Beacon student newspaper, and serving as a math tutor.

Raiders Stand Out
I chose Northwestern because of it close-knit community. Coming from a small school, I did not want to go to a really big college. As soon as I visited Northwestern, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. My tour guide seemed to know everyone we passed, and I loved that. Everyone seemed to know each other, and that has been true for me.

Learning how to learn
Dr. Grace definitely pushes you, but in the best way possible. I found myself learning how to study in order to think critically rather than memorize facts. That especially helped me in my other classes as I learned to apply my knowledge rather than just learn enough for a test. I also had the opportunity to learn about the different methods of teaching physics and see how I best learned as a student and how I might best teach the content.

Mentors and friends
I love that faculty are willing to see me as a person and not just as a student. They take time out of their day to help me, even when it is not office hours. I have spent countless hours in the offices of my professors and have developed great relationships with them. Not only have they pushed me academically, but they have helped me grow in my faith as well. I always thought math and physics were difficult to apply to faith, but my professors helped me see how they are related.

Growing through challenges
I have taken some very challenging classes, and I am glad to say I am better off because of them. They have taught me how to try again after a failure, to learn from my mistakes, and to celebrate when I get a concept. The feeling I get when I grasp a difficult idea is one of triumph.