Education - Student Profile - Rachel Kauffman

Rachel Kauffman
Sophomore, Education
North Adams, Mich.

What drew you to Hesston College?
The friendliness and kindness of the people on this campus is unlike any other college campus I have ever visited. Professors truly care about their students and I can talk with them about anything, not just academics. Even though I am almost 900 miles away from home, Hesston has become like a second home to me. There are also many opportunities to get involved with campus ministry through Bible studies, campus worship, and other forms, and this was very important to me when I chose Hesston.

How challenging are the academics at Hesston?
The academics at Hesston are frequently underestimated. Many people assume that because Hesston is only a two-year college, the academics are not held at a high standard but they have been proven wrong. Classes here are designed to stretch each individual in numerous ways and the students work very hard.

What is your favorite education course?
One of my favorite education courses that Hesston offered to me was Teaching/Learning Strategies. This class also had a lab in the preschool once a week and I was required to create lesson plans and carry them out. I got to experience a little taste of how it will really be as a teacher by seeing how much time it takes to prepare for class. This class gave me a good reality check.

What is your favorite of all of the courses you have taken? Why?
Of all the courses I have taken here at Hesston College, my favorite would have to be Biblical Literature. It may not have been my favorite when I was going through it, but afterwards I have realized how much I learned throughout the course of one semester and how beneficial it will always be.

Did you find opportunities for learning experiences outside the classroom?
There are endless opportunities for learning that occur outside of the classroom. From the dorms, to the Larks Nest snack shop, to sports facilities, I see places where students here learn about life and where they grow with one another. Just being here at Hesston has taught me so much about life and about interacting with people from around the world. Everyday I learn something new about someone and I am constantly changing into the person that I want to become.

When did you first know you wanted to be a teacher?
At a fairly young age I realized that working with children was something that I truly enjoyed. Teaching seemed like it would be a lot of fun and I have not regretted my decision.

How have your experiences at Hesston shaped you as a future teacher?
Being at Hesston has given me a different perspective of teacher-student relationships. As I begin the process of becoming a teacher myself, I can now put myself in my professors' shoes and see how what I do affects them. As a future teacher I want to be able to relate to my students like the professors at Hesston do, and I also want to be as dedicated to them as I know the professors here are.

What are some of your most memorable moments as a student at Hesston?
There are so many memorable moments at Hesston it is hard to know where to start! Hesston has almost everything to offer: late night Druber's/Newell's runs, Toga Runs, mod activities, going to Stutzman's cabin and almost ALWAYS getting pranked, hanging out in the Larks Nest, movie nights in Dogg's apartment (he's a resident director), etc. One thing that I will definitely take away from this experience is the incredible friendships that I have made that I know will last me a lifetime. The people here have shaped who I am and have left an imprint in my life that can never be taken away.

What are your plans for after Hesston?
I plan to transfer to a university after Hesston College and get my bachelor’s degree in elementary education.