Meredith Nowotarski
Hometown
Des Plaines, ILWhat do you hope to do/accomplish as an ACE Teacher?
I hope to develop strong relationships with my students and encourage them to be the best possible versions of themselves. As someone who loves school but has often struggled with the pressures that come with it, I would like to instill in my students a love of learning for learning's sake. Furthermore, I hope to help them accomplish their goals, whatever they may be, so that my students understand that their dreams are both valid and possible.
What experiences at your undergraduate institution helped shape your decision to pursue teaching as a possible vocation?
I have had so many great role models in my time at Notre Dame who have been ACE interns and teachers, and it was because of my discussions with them and their enthusiasm for the program that I first considered applying. When I was a first year, my RA encouraged me to go to ACE Night, and I loved the sense of community and the genuine excitement I witnessed among everyone there. Throughout my time at ND, I've had the opportunity to serve others as a tutor, a club leader, and now as an RA, and through ACE, I can continue to serve and minister to others in my new role as a teacher!
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE Ambassador/Intern?
I hope that I will grow in my ability to minister to others and that I will gain greater confidence in my God-given talents. I would like my students to have the self-confidence necessary to accomplish their goals, but in order to do that, it is important for me to be able to model that for them. This experience will be a wonderful opportunity for me to serve my students and help them to recognize their talents, and in the process, I hope to share my own talents more readily with them.
Undergraduate Information
-
Major:
Psychology & English
-
Activities:
Cavanaugh RA & Spiritual Life Council, Research Asst. in the Adolescent Development psych lab, and Take Ten volunteer