Chris Buckler
I love to figure out how things work. Along with my innate curiosity, I have
a lifelong interest in showing others how things work as well. In elementary
school, I tried to teach math to my younger brother who could barely talk!
Also, as a radio operator/repairman in the United States Marine Corps one
of my favorite duties was to teach the other Marines about the radios.
After leaving the Marine Corps, I attended the College
of Southern Maryland before transferring to UMBC as a mechanical engineering
major and a Sherman Scholar, both of which are an excellent fit for me. The
support I receive as a Sherman Scholar is an integral component for reaching
my career goals. I look forward to the future as a Sherman alum and teacher
sharing my knowledge with my students. It is my hope that I can change children’s
lives for the better. I also hope to show them just how rewarding and interesting
a career in engineering can be.
Caitrin Eike
Ever since I was a little girl I have loved science. I decided to teach because
I want to use my passion for science to make the world a better place. I work
as a substitute teacher for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and I am a
reading tutor for children in a Kennedy Krieger/Haskins Laboratories program.
The Sherman STEM Teacher Education Program not only financially allows me to
pursue these experiences, but it also supports me professionally, academically
and personally.
In addition to being a Sherman Scholar, student and educator,
I am the mother of three. I have overcome many obstacles and hardships to
be where I am now. As a teacher, I hope to be a role model for my students,
especially to those for whom daily life is a struggle. With hard work, focus
and support, dreams do come true.
Jynease Emerson
I am excited to be a part of the Sherman Teacher Education Scholars Program
at UMBC. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to teach. As a freshman
majoring in mathematics and education at UMBC, the program will not only help
me to become a great teacher, but it will help me grow as a person. Being a
Sherman Scholar has already taught me so much about myself that I cannot imagine
what I would do without this experience.
Okemeteri Esiekpe
The Sherman STEM Teacher Education Program supports me in reaching my goals.
I am grateful to be in such a circle of like-minded peers with an eye on teaching
in high-needs classrooms. I want to help the students that I teach find success,
no matter what challenges they face. I hope to one day inspire other students
to become teachers themselves.
I am a transfer student from Prince George’s Community
College. I came to UMBC to complete my degree in biological sciences and
certificate in education. My interest in education started from childhood
when I would spend time in my mother’s grade school classroom in Nigeria.
At Eleanor Roosevelt High School my interest deepened when I was a teacher’s
aide for my biology and English teachers. The Sherman Scholars Program is
allowing me to pursue my career aspirations.
Go-Eun (Charm) Hong
I studied architectural engineering in my home country, Korea. While I excelled
in my classes, I never had the passion for architecture that I have for teaching.
My father is a teacher, and I used to tutor high school students in math. I
loved being able to teach them concepts that they struggled with. I decided
to come to the United States to study education, particularly because the K-12
education system here is so different from that of Korea. I am fascinated by
the different teaching methodology of the American system. Also, I wanted to
work in a U.S. classroom and help my fellow countrymen, and others, understand
the concepts being taught to them. I love helping in the classroom! The Sherman
Teacher Education Program supports me in so many ways as I work to achieve
my goals and dream of being a teacher. The program has helped me make my transition
to UMBC easier, and it is helping me achieve my dream of becoming a teacher.
Katie Salley
As a transfer student from Anne Arundel Community College, I am majoring in
mathematics and pursuing a certificate in education here at UMBC. I am very
grateful to be a Sherman Scholar. The program has provided excellent experiences
and benefits for me, from getting to know other scholars to having additional
support. Program staff are always helpful. They really care about your aspirations
and the direction you are going. I am truly blessed to be a part of this
program.
I discovered the joy of teaching at an early age volunteering
at Bay Brook Elementary School. I also worked as a gymnastics instructor
for three years, staffed after school programs and worked at summer day camps.
I now work as a teaching assistant for pre-calculus, which has given me a
unique exposure to teaching, has helped me discover and refine my own teaching
styles and has reinforced my desire to be a teacher. I cannot wait until
I get my own classroom!
Christine Sweigart
As a Sherman Scholar I have had the privilege of being a part of a program
designed for the purpose of placing leaders in our nation’s classrooms to serve
as nurturing and positive influences on future generations of students. One
of the pillars of the Sherman Scholars Program is the commitment to placing
effective teachers in high-needs schools in the Baltimore area. A strong foundation
in math is important, and in this field women and minorities are underrepresented
– a fact that I will work hard to change. The Sherman Program has become my
second family and provides a network of support as we strive to reach our goals.
It has enriched my college experience with new activities and opportunities
to learn.
I am a freshman at UMBC, majoring in mathematics with a
certificate in secondary education. Since I was six years old, I knew
I wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout
my years of schooling, my love of learning and passion for math has continued
to fuel this desire. Despite the numerous challenges and demands teachers
face, I believe it is by far one of the most rewarding careers one can pursue.