Teri Sisulak
- Hartland, Wis.
- B.A. in art education
- What's next: Teaching art to elementary or middle school students
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Teri Sisulak found solace in the art room throughout her younger years in school in Hartland, Wis. She enjoyed the art room because it was the one place she could get involved in her own projects without worrying what her peers thought of her and her struggle with attention deficit disorder.
Growing up with a learning difference was difficult for Sisulak because she knew she was different even though she looked like everyone else, she said.
"I had a stigma attached to those who learn differently, and I myself was one of those people," Sisulak said.
From her experiences in elementary and secondary school, Sisulak has overcome the statistics by attending a four-year university and completing her art education degree. Sisulak also joined a national initiative while attending UW-Eau Claire called Project Eye-to-Eye, which matches K-12 students with learning disabilities/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with university students with LD/ADHD.
The program also focuses on art as a tool to allow students to express themselves in a creative and appropriate context.
For Sisulak, an art education major, who first fell in love with art as an escape during elementary school, Project Eye-to-Eye has been a perfect fit.
More on Teri Sisulak
Future plans: I am looking to teach art to either elementary or middle school students. I am deciding whether I would like to stay near my friends and family, or if I want to be adventurous and move someplace warm where I can water-ski frequently. I am going to take a few years to figure out exactly what I am passionate about studying in the educational system. I already have an idea that it will be an aspect of education, which could include art education, struggling students, English language learners or art therapy.
I guess my long-term goals are to be happy and energized by reaching out to others. I would like to have a loving family someday.
What she liked most about her time at UW-Eau Claire: I really enjoyed being involved in campus organizations. I met lots of people and developed so many skills that I will be taking with me through my life.
One of my most enjoyable experiences was going to an artist talk in the Foster Gallery about a UW-Eau Claire alumni photography show. One of the artists photographed celebrities. I found the talk to be fascinating because I could see the dedication and passion that he had for his work.
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: In addition to being involved in Project Eye-to-Eye, I also was the vice president for the Art Education Club and was able to assist at many events in the larger Eau Claire community.
In between school and outside activities, I also worked as a graphic designer for UW-Eau Claire Housing and Residence Life.
Proudest college accomplishments: One of my proudest accomplishments has been to be involved with Project Eye-to-Eye, a mentoring and art program. It really has given me many opportunities to develop and use my leadership skills. From being involved with a group of people with learning differences, I have been able to accept my different learning style. The biggest accomplishment will be walking across the stage on graduation day knowing that it is something that some did not think would be possible when I was in third grade.
Advice for incoming students: There are so many good resources on campus that very few people use. Many of them could help you tremendously with school and beyond. Do not be afraid to use those resources or ask for help when you need it. Most people will not end up pointing out those things for you, you'll have to look for them yourself.
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