Dear Students,

As many of you know, I am a senior at the University of Illinois.  Although I began as a business major and then became an elementary education major, I finally realized that I wanted to teach high school English.  As much as I love younger children, my enthusiasm is in working with older students.  I am anxious to discuss literature and learn from each of you during my student teaching experience.

While in school I have taken a wide variety of literature courses ranging from English and American survey literature courses to courses focused on Toni Morrison and British feminist novels.  Since being an English education major I have developed a passion in literature written by people of color.  One of the aspects of English that I love is that through reading and discussing, so many opinions and perspectives are shared.  Through this, I have learned a lot about myself and others around me.

At the University of Illinois I have been very active in Habitat for Humanity.  It is an amazing non-for-profit organization that works in conjunction with families in need to build “simple, decent homes”.  Over the years I have gone on Habitat spring break trips, worked on many houses, and met many remarkable, kind, and generous people.  I have also been involved in tutoring at the high school and middle school level.

During high school I played tennis and badminton.  I haven’t played badminton in over two years but I still try and play tennis when the weather is nice!  I also played the flute in marching band and concert band and was in the school choir.  Although I did not get to go to Hawaii, I was able to go to London and Walt Disney World with my band and choir.  As far as other activities go, I was in student council, peer tutoring, NHS, and my high school youth group.

Another favorite activity of mine is camping.  I love the outdoors.  The winters are a struggle for me because I am kept inside so much!  I have been to many amazing National Parks and Forests.  Most recently I went backpacking this summer in Eastern California in Yosemite.  It was breathtaking.  I am hoping this summer to go to Ireland for a few weeks, not for backpacking, just for traveling.

I look forward to my time getting to know you and work with you.  Please let me know if you have any questions for me.

Sincerely,
 

Ms. Yeats