Creative teaching
Emily loved art but didn’t think it could lead to a career. Art and education classes at Northwestern, however, showed her she had a gift for both creating and teaching art. Now she guides high school students in discovering their own God-given talents.
Did you know you wanted to study and teach art when you enrolled at Northwestern?
I was undecided about my major for my first few years of college. Before I came to Northwestern, I studied at a community college in California. At that school, I took one ceramics class and realized I loved art, but I didn’t think I was capable of creating anything worthwhile. At Northwestern, I briefly considered becoming a veterinarian, but after taking General Biology, I quickly realized God had gifted me with other abilities. On a whim, I started taking art and education courses. The more I learned about what it means to teach, the more I realized God has gifted me in that way. Also, the more I created and the more I was encouraged, the more God grew my confidence in art. After that, it was undeniable what he was calling me to do.
What is Northwestern’s art department like?
I really enjoyed how small the classes were, because I was able to connect with my professors more. I also had several nights where I could go to the art studio and have a whole room to myself. With smaller classes, there was more time and attention from the professors when working on projects. They gave great feedback and really helped me grow as an artist.
How were you prepared for life after college?
Along with many practicum placements and student teaching at two different schools in Sioux Falls, I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Romania. This was an invaluable, life-changing experience. I got to live in another country and feel what it’s like to be an immigrant where I didn’t know the language and only knew a few familiar faces. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and grew in so many ways. I even got to leave my mark by painting a mural in the main building where we had classes. It was fun, and it was hard, but it was never regretted!
What do you love most about teaching art?
Getting to build relationships with students. I care so much for these kids and really want the best for them. I have a unique opportunity as an art teacher to have random conversations and get to know them during the time they’re working on their projects in class. I feel the most successful when students come to my classroom after school just to chat. I also get to teach an advanced studio art class that is very student-led but allows for some great conversations with the seniors who take that course. Walking alongside them as they get to do the things I love and am passionate about is simply a bonus.
