Student Voices - Graduate
Caitlin Hunsucker
Master of Arts in Teaching
Class of 2008
Morehead City, North Carolina
My background
I earned my bachelor’s degree in English from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2005. Passionate about education reform, I moved to New York to work for an education nonprofit. This experience gave me the opportunity to further solidify my own convictions about the value of education. The experience revealed to me that theory does not always translate into practice and that education is a calling and teaching is a true gift. Armed with this discovery, I returned home to North Carolina to embark on my exciting calling as a prospective teacher.
Why I chose education
I believe that when it came to my career path, education selected me. I come from a long line of teachers, so for me, teaching is a passion. Upon graduation, I briefly put aside this passion in pursuit of things less familiar. I experimented in other fields, but I always left a day’s work knowing that what I was doing was just that – work. I longed to teach. Such experiences validated that the classroom is where I am meant to be. Teaching is not another job to be done – it is a thrilling mission. Now that I’ve set foot in a classroom as a student teacher, I can’t imagine how the connections like those formed with curious students in the classroom could occur in any other setting. Education as a career path brings me face to face with such connections every day.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
My choice to attend UNC’s School of Education was greatly influenced by the excellent undergraduate experience I enjoyed at UNC. As an undergraduate, I took several classes in the School of Education and participated in a summer abroad program led by one of the School’s professors. This experience had a great impact on me. I also worked with instructors from the School through my participation in extracurriculars. These instructors held an unwavering devotion to improving the quality of our education systems. Their dogged determination is something I hope to emulate.
My experience
The M.A.T. program has been an exciting journey. I have expanded my understanding of the role of education both historically and culturally and have learned how I am personally equipped to improve it. I feel this program is excellent preparation for my future as a teacher.
Student life
There is a natural support system among my M.A.T. peers that is fostered by a shared commitment to our chosen career path. If I experience a challenging day in the classroom, I know that there is always a handful of people with whom I can engage in thoughtful reflection about how to improve my teaching. We are able to give each other different perspectives on our practices each day.
In 10 years
I plan to continue to study and discover the joys of literature and communication systems right alongside my students. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.