Building belonging
Kinsley is passionate about helping people with disabilities experience community, relationships and all life has to offer. As a special education teaching major, she’s found meaningful ways to live out that calling through the NEXT program, serving as a mentor and tutor for students with disabilities. Through hands-on classroom experiences, supportive professors and her work with the NEXT program, Kinsley is preparing to help students build their skills, find their passions and achieve their goals.A perfect fit
I chose Northwestern because the second I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed and saw the true community it has to offer. The biggest reason I chose Northwestern was the NEXT program and the opportunity to work with its leaders to help the program grow and succeed. I’m able to learn from them and practice my future career while still in college, which was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.
Learning through experience
Northwestern has a wonderful special education program and works hard to give students opportunities to learn hands-on in the classroom as soon as possible. These experiences give us what we need to become well-rounded, successful teachers. Being closely connected with the NEXT program is also preparing me to teach life skills, help students find their passions and come alongside them as they work to achieve their goals.
Professors who care
NWC professors are extremely involved and supportive. They care about each of their students as people and want to do everything they can to help us succeed in what God has called us to do. They form close relationships with students and are always available to help us in every aspect of life, not just education. Every professor is intentional and adds something that allows students to be truly invested in what we are learning.
Community + belonging
The students in Northwestern’s NEXT program stand out to me because they bring joy to campus and create connections among people who might not otherwise cross paths. They teach traditional students that they don’t need to be treated differently than any other student. I’ve also seen mentors, resident assistants, athletes and other students go beyond inclusion to help NEXT students feel like they truly belong. That has reinforced my desire to work with people transitioning out of high school and help them build the life and job skills they need to live successful, productive lives.