Student Voices - Graduate
Mackensie Malkemes
Master of Arts in Teaching
Class of 2008
Madison, Alabama
My background
An Alabama native, I attended the University of Alabama for my undergraduate education. I was a college cheerleader and taught cheerleading camps during the summers. My inclination for teaching became grounded through these camp experiences. Although there are many differences between teaching cheerleading skills and teaching English, the genuine adoration I feel toward my students is unwavering.
Why I chose education
My reasons for choosing education are based on my desired role in society. During the past few years, I have thought a lot about my ability to help students learn and to improve their overall educational experience. For me, doing anything in my power to make the world a better educated, more tolerant and more understanding place is an incredible opportunity.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
UNC-Chapel Hill offers the things that matter most to me in a school. Being from a small town in Alabama, I enjoy a close community that is accepting and friendly. Chapel Hill is such a community, both as a campus and as a town.
My experience
I have met incredible mentors and friends during my short time in the program. A close kinship definitely exists within each of the M.A.T. cohorts, and we find many opportunities to collaborate in both the academic and the social arenas.
My inspiration
I feel lucky to have been a student of Dr. Jim Trier, this year’s M.A.T. program coordinator and head of the English cohort. His relaxed attitude, high expectations, creative strategies and insightful curriculum materials made these past semesters come alive for me. Not only am I learning how to be a teacher, but also I am learning about the world and how to critically analyze the messages of daily life.
In 10 years
I hope to have established myself as a competent, unremitting teacher. I see myself working in an urban setting in an inner-city school. Additionally, I hope to teach creative writing, so that I can not only educate students about the art and power of language but also allow them to express themselves in original and personal ways.