Rachel Paulus
- Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
- Bachelor of science degree in early childhood special education
- What's next: Seeking employment in early childhood special education in the Fargo, N.D., area
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Submitted photo |
Rachel Paulus had many expectations going into her fall 2008 student teaching experience in Houston, Texas. Living through a hurricane wasn't one of them.
But that's what she did when Hurricane Ike hit the city on Sept. 12, not long after she'd begun student teaching at Odom Elementary School in the Aldine Independent School District, located about 15 miles north of downtown Houston.
So in addition to experiencing a diverse, urban education setting in another part of the country, Paulus learned some survival skills not typically required of a Midwesterner, like taping up windows to prevent shattering due to high winds, moving furnishings and belongings from low resting places to higher ones in case of flooding, and filling the bathtub before the storm to ensure a supply of clean water afterward.
Paulus' school closed on Sept. 12, and on the previous afternoon she had helped move desks, computers and other items to locations away from windows and potential flooding. She waited out the hurricane through the night in her apartment with her roommate and some friends. The power went out around 2 a.m., and the eye of the storm passed at about 4 a.m. The storm had subsided by about 11 a.m., and the group emerged to find most of the trees down throughout the apartment complex, roof shingles everywhere and calf-deep water rushing through the streets. Power in Houston would be out for days to come, the wait in lines at gas stations would be as long as five hours, and even as Paulus prepared to return to Wisconsin three months later, there still were visible reminders of Ike's damage around the city.
"This was an experience that I will never forget, and I have a new appreciation for people living in areas continuously affected by hurricanes," Paulus said. "Even when Katrina hit Louisiana, I watched it on the news but never really imagined what those people were actually going through and that the daily things I take for granted, like going to the gas station, were either not possible or extremely difficult. Ike really made me take a step back and reflect on my life. It helped me realize and appreciate the small things life has to offer."
The experience also taught Paulus about the difference between being merely a teacher and being an "educator." Her school was closed for eight days following the hurricane, and when she returned her young students — some of whom had left the city to wait out the storm and all of whom had witnessed Ike's damage and coped with the long-term power outage — were coping with issues they'd never faced before.
"I learned that during a crisis like Hurricane Ike, as a teacher you are focused on the curriculum lost, but as an educator you are concerned first and foremost with your students' emotional well-being," she said. "I was able to witness the true importance of gaining a positive rapport with your students. If my students did not trust me and feel safe, I knew that I would not be able to truly impact their educational experience."
More on Rachel Paulus
Future plans: I will be getting married this summer, so shortly after graduation I will move to Fargo, N.D. My short-term plan is to substitute teach to make some money, get my foot in the door and get to know some teachers and principals in the area. Come summertime I will apply and try to attain a position in early childhood special education somewhere in the area. My long-term goal is to go back to school for my master's degree to learn more about autism. Teaching children with autism has always been an interest of mine. During one of my student teaching placements I was fortunate enough to be placed in a classroom that was strictly designed for children with autism. The experiences that I gained during this placement reassured me of my desire and dedication to someday working with these incredible children.
Unique aspects of her UW-Eau Claire experience: At my first informational student teaching meeting I learned about the opportunity for an urban student teaching experience in Houston, Texas. I was immediately intrigued and knew it was something I would be interested in. I did some research to find out more about the program. I asked around and e-mailed area principals to make sure that it wouldn't be something that would hinder me when trying to apply for jobs in the Midwest. After researching I had no reason not to take advantage of this amazing experience.
While student teaching in Houston, not only did I have a unique and diverse experience, but during my stay I lived through something truly devastating. I was teaching during the traumatic natural disaster Hurricane Ike. You never truly understand the impact that something this disastrous has on a city until you actually experience it. I witnessed firsthand not only the physical damage but also the emotional damage it caused.
Also, for the first time I was able to truly realize the difference between a teacher and an educator. After my students experienced this devastating tragedy, not only was I their teacher but I was also their counselor, their listener and a provider of a safe, comfortable place for them to turn to. While the loss of curriculum was important, it meant nothing if my students did not feel they were back in a safe and comfortable learning environment.
I have never for a second regretted my decision to student teach in Houston. While I did not come down here thinking I was going to live through a hurricane, I truly feel fortunate to have been here for these children and families.
What she liked most about her UW-Eau Claire experience: What I liked and will treasure most about my UW-Eau Claire experience are my lasting friendships. While everything that I accomplished in college is important, I know that I could not be where I am without the guidance and dedication of my friends and family. They helped me grow as a person, and by surrounding myself with such great people I was inspired to push myself and to always ask questions. I've learned that you never get anywhere by settling. There is always something more out there — you just have to ask the right questions.
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: My first highlight is getting accepted to and completing college at UW-Eau Claire. I was the first one in my family to actually attend college. Once I was accepted I was determined to work hard and get the most out of my experience. Now that I am only a few weeks from graduation, I can't believe I actually did it. I'm truly thankful that my parents were able to support me through this experience as much as they did. They were my inspiration and foundation throughout my whole life and especially my college experience, and without them this would not have been possible. They continually support me in whatever I do and encourage me to always try new things.
Another highlight during my UW-Eau Claire experience was being a four-year letter winner as a collegiate softball player. Being part of a collegiate team is something I feel truly fortunate to have experienced. As a member of the Blugold fastpitch team I immediately had teammates, coaches, friends and fans that became my family away from home. They helped make the transition to college as well as a new town much easier. Not only was I now a college student at UW-Eau Claire, but as a Blugold fastpitch player I felt like a part of the community as well. I learned life lessons that I would not have learned had I not been part of a team. I learned dedication, time management, commitment and, most of all, how to function as a member of a team. I was able to volunteer and experience events that I normally would not have had the opportunity to participate in. I knew that no matter what I was doing I had to give it my all, because if I didn't it would not only affect me but also my team, and I did not want to let them or myself down.
Proudest college accomplishments: My proudest accomplishment is making the Dean's List for three straight semesters within the special education program. I often underestimated myself, and with the help of my parents, friends and teammates, I was able to push myself and reach something I didn't think was possible. I always had good grades, but never did I think that I would get a 4.0. I also attribute it to finding something in life that I truly love. Early on in my college experience I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. Through a volunteering experience I was introduced to special education, and I immediately fell in love. After taking a few classes and getting accepted into the special education program, I realized that I had found my passion. Classes became very interesting and applicable to my future, which motivated me to learn as much about special education and teaching as possible. Along with this love and dedication came my improved grades.
Advice for incoming students: Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible, because you never know what will happen. There are many opportunities that UW-Eau Claire offers and you don't have to do them all. However, make it a goal to try at least one new thing and give it a chance. Come in to college with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. Remember it is never too late to try something new. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, now is the time to do it.
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