Patrick Emlaw
- Osseo, Wis.
- B.S. in elementary education
- What's next: Seeking a teaching position in rural west-central Wisconsin
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Rick Mickelson |
Patrick Emlaw had a bit more life experience behind him than the average incoming student when he enrolled at UW-Eau Claire three years ago.
Following his graduation from high school in 1982, Emlaw turned down several partial college scholarships and embarked on an "individual tour of the United States."
"I spent eleven months going everywhere and doing all that I had dreamed of," he said, adding that he traveled in a small VW Rabbit and stayed on the back roads.
"I joined the Army after that trip to resupply my bank account for college," he said. After his military duty, he traveled across Europe before returning home and earning bachelor's degrees in natural resource management and recreation management from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and a master's of education degree in curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University.
Emlaw then worked at what he describes as "informal educator" positions with the National Audubon Society, U.S. Forest Service and an outdoor education center in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Before enrolling at UW-Eau Claire, he was the program director and teacher for a small nature center in the Litchfield Hills of Western Connecticut.
"All throughout my life experiences, various people have consistently encouraged me to become a 'real' teacher in the classroom," he said. "I certainly took no offense to these comments, but rather chose to follow that path."
Emlaw said his experience as a nontraditional student at UW-Eau Claire has been positive and rewarding, despite the challenge of completing his degree while working part time and being part of a family of four.
"There have been times when I've felt that my age has set me apart from the other students," he said. "However, those times are really few and far between. I don't participate much in student affairs and off-campus get-togethers, but the students are really wonderful at making students like me feel welcome. During class projects and group events, I'm just one of the students, and I've really been made to feel that way by all the other classmates."
More on Patrick Emlaw
Future plans: Once I complete my program I will, and have been, looking for a teaching team to join in one of the area schools. I really want to get in at some school and work with the students. Long term, I have a few ideas in my head for a book that I would like to write, but I've been talking about that for quite some time.
What he liked most about his time at UW-Eau Claire: I really have enjoyed getting back into the educational environment. The quality of instruction here at UW-Eau Claire has been very impressive, and the high degree of student ability is equally impressive. It has been a great joy to be part of the student body and have all this professionalism and ability around me.
UW-Eau Claire career highlights: There are many, many opportunities beyound the classroom. I did not take advantage of those because of my situation as a nontraditional student, but they are there.
Proudest college accomplishments: Getting into the School of Education despite the high level of skill and knowledge in the students who were all competing for those few spots.
Advice for incoming students: Get involved in school groups that help you grow socially. Take complete ownership of your education and demand high-quality work from yourself and the instructors who are teaching you. Manage your time in such a way that you can mix your studies with social involvement and find success in both arenas.
Learn about other featured May 2006 graduates
