The familiarity of Bluffton, along with the small town feel, drew Bri to campus. “I chose to come to Bluffton because I am from a very small town,” she said. “I wanted to attend college in a smaller town atmosphere as well. It has been a very good fit.”
Once at Bluffton, Bri chose to study science education. “Bluffton has one of the best known and respected education programs. The extensive training in the lab as well as in the classroom is above and beyond state requirements,” said Bri. “It means that Bluffton makes sure you are very well prepared to teach future generations.”
As a science education major, Bri finds herself spending a lot of time in Shoker Science Center and staying very busy. Yet the rewards outweigh the challenges for Bri. “Science is a good fit for me because it requires ‘out of the box’ thinking.
Science education combines my passion for science with my passion for working with people. I've enjoyed working in classrooms and figuring out how to adjust lessons to fit the personality of each class. Field experience has been very challenging but it is rewarding to see students take an interest in science.”
“Issues such as global warming, the gasoline crisis, as well as the many issues facing the medical world need people that are excellent problem solvers that can devise solutions that have positive outcomes in both the immediate future and in the big picture,” she said. “These problem solvers will be from our generation and the future generations that we will teach.”
There is a strong sense of community in Shoker Science Center. “There is an unwritten understanding that if the more experienced students see a newer student needing help, they offer what they know,” said Bri. “Upperclassmen are motivated to help others succeed as well.”
She is also involved in Bluffton Education Organization and works with other future teachers to put together substitute teaching folders, parent/teacher conference folders, brainstorm bulletin board ideas and discuss Praxis test-taking tips.
"I will cherish the many memories of cheering for the football players for three consecutive seasons!” Bluffton’s cheerleading program is completely student led and leaves room for participants to be creative, gain leadership skills and build lasting friendships. “The cheerleaders and I have become great friends and we hang out outside of cheering too,” said Bri. “The squad is so tight-knit and even the football team has gone above and beyond by complimenting and showing appreciation for all the work and time we dedicate to the season.
Even though they are student led, the cheerleaders have been working hard to entertain the crowd with collegiate-level stunts, tumbling and performances. “We wanted to prove that even though Bluffton is a small school, we are capable of doing the same things, and do them just as well as larger schools."
