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Olivia Chambers is passionate about education, and the UL Lafayette College of Education’s hands-on approach to training the next generation of teachers made her college choice easy.

“I love how the elementary education program at UL Lafayette provided us with so many different opportunities to get hands-on experience with the local schools. It’s prepared me to eventually have my own classroom by studying veteran teachers,” Olivia said.

“Seeing some of the techniques and ideas talked about in class implemented in the elementary classroom helps me to see how these actually work and how I should use the skills in my future classroom.”

Olivia’s close relationships with her professors and practical projects have helped her become confident about being a great teacher.

“My favorite part about studying at UL Lafayette is how many great resources we are provided to succeed. The professors are always supportive and willing to help, and they have such a wealth of knowledge that they have a passion to share.”

One of Olivia’s favorite classes was Classroom Assessment (EDCI 456) with Dr. Amanda Mayeaux. The class covered how to create and use assessments of all kinds in the classroom. For the class, Olivia had to create a unit assessment plan for a specific content area — "a project that at first seemed daunting,” Olivia said, but she was grateful for the experience.

“Dr. Mayeaux worked with us very closely on creating this and made to process fun,” Olivia said. “I learned so many things not only about assessment in her class but about the teaching profession as well. Dr. Mayeaux’s class was extremely valuable and I am so grateful for all that she taught me.”

As an elementary education major, Olivia also took Art in Education (VIAR 215) with Dr. Claire Schultz.

“We learned how to integrate art in the curriculum, so that way students are receiving an art education without taking away from instruction of the other subjects,” Olivia said. “My favorite assignment was making protest signs for an issue you cared about, but also focusing on the impact of shape on a piece.”

Olivia also took advantage of the her sophomore year and explored London’s museums and libraries for an English class.

“The content for the class was exciting, and being in London, studying two of my favorite places was an experience unlike any other!”

Making the Most of her Time on Campus

Moving to Lafayette from Texas was a leap for Olivia, and she was worried about starting school without friends.

“Coming from Texas, I did have my reservations about meeting new people and living in a new city,” she said. “UL Lafayette really went above and beyond to make sure everybody feels included and welcomed. I knew from my first week here that UL Lafayette was the school for me.”

Joining student organizations on campus was a big part of helping Olivia transition to a new city. She’s a member of the sorority Alpha Delta Pi and served as president last year.

“Being a part of the sorority has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my college career,” she said. “I have been able to travel to gain extensive training in leadership and work with many different people from all over the nation. Being a member of this organization has also provided me with the opportunity to make friendships that will last a lifetime.”

She’s also joined the education honor society, Kappa Delta Pi. Her involvement on campus has provided an additional level of skill-building that will help her after graduation.

“I have enjoyed all the great resources that they provide for teachers and how much it helps further my professional development,” she said.