RCOE International Student Teaching Spring 08

Hello, my name is Marley Hambacher and I am an Elementary Education major from Appalachian State University. During the spring of 2008, I will student teaching in a Charlotte-Mecklenburg School for the first ten weeks and then the last five weeks in Nicoya, Costa Rica.

I chose to go in this profession for many reasons. I have had multiple teachers that have influenced me. These teachers have taught me to love education and have shared the same passion for learning that I do. I also would like to make a difference in children's lives, much like adults, in the past, have done so for me. I feel that education is way that I can do this.

After learning about ASU’s International Student Teaching Program, I was immediately interested in it. I feel by participating in this program, I will be able to learn new things that will affect my life and my teaching in the future. The idea of living and working in a different environment and culture attracts me to this program. I feel that being surrounded by a different culture will let me see the world in a different light. I believe that this is important in today’s world, especially in the education field.

While growing up, I was given the chance to take many global trips. I have experienced many diverse cultures and environments and they have all taught me lessons that I still use today. These lessons have helped to mold me into the person I am.

My travels have not all been to prime “vacation spots.” I have spent four summers going to a colony in Mexico doing mission work with my church. On these four trips, I have immersed myself in a very diverse culture that is nothing like my own. I have also spent a summer in Germany, studying with ASU’s German department. During this trip, I was able to interact with the local students and form bonds with them. Besides volunteer work and study abroad trips, I have also traveled to many places on vacations. I have been to many states across the country, the Caribbean, multiple countries in Europe, Mexico, and Costa Rica.