Students Who Soar: Childhood Education Major Finds Inspiration In Faculty, Opportunities At Buffalo State

Buffalo NY

09 June, 2022

2:52 PM

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Press release from Buffalo State College: June 8, 2022 As a preschooler, Buffalo State College senior Mikayla Thompson was occasionally called on by her teacher to read aloud in class. "I was one of the only students who could read," said Thompson, who started reading picture books at age 2. "This is where my love for literacy and education started." Some 20 years later, the childhood education major is instilling a love of reading in first-graders at Geraldine J. Mann Elementary School in Niagara Falls, New York, where she recently completed the second of two eight-week classroom placements. "We teach the students a new concept each day," Thompson said. "I encourage them to be leaders, and I integrate technology into the lessons. They love it when I invite them to the white board to unscramble sentences." And instructors are still recognizing Thompson's talents. In fall 2021, she worked with Selenid Gonzalez-Frey, visiting professor in the Elementary Education, Literacy, and Educational Leadership Department and SUNY PRODiG fellow, to create a presentation for the Professional Development Schools on their experience with EDU 311: Teaching Reading in School. "We talked about how we bridged the gap between research and practice as preservice teachers within a literacy methods course," Thompson said, adding that Gonzalez-Frey believed in her and inspired her. "Dr. Gonzalez-Frey inspired me to pursue things I never thought were possible for me." Gonzalez-Frey noted that Thompson is an exceptional student. The oldest of four children growing up in Niagara Falls, New York, Thompson is the first in her family to attend college. After high school, she started at another institution, but soon felt lost, unhappy, and unsure of her major and her future. While continuing to work full time, she decided to take a two-year hiatus to figure out her life's purpose. She thought of the teachers throughout her childhood and adolescence, the ones who advocated on her behalf, the ones who went above and beyond, the ones who encouraged her. "I realized many of the teachers I looked up to were graduates of Buffalo State," Thompson said. "I knew that the college has amazing education programs, specifically the Professional Development Schools partnerships. I was really eager to get into a classroom to see if teaching was for me." Now, that she's completed her second student teaching placement, Thompson said, she's certain it is. Soon after Thompson enrolled at Buffalo State, she delved into her studies and has made the dean's list every semester. She also connected with other students by getting involved on campus, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Soon after joining Tau Sigma, the Buffalo State chapter of the national honor society for transfer students, she ran for president of the executive board, a position she now holds. In addition, she joined Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, and the Future Teachers Club, which helped her navigate the campus and make friends with other education majors. Thompson said she would strongly encourage other transfer students to get involved, "as quickly and as much as you possibly can." This press release was produced by Buffalo State College. The views expressed here are the author's own.