Meagan Walker is graduating from Mercer University’s College of Education with a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary/special education.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my goal is to continue my journey at Mattie Wells Elementary School as a teacher. I have built strong relationships with the staff, students and community, and I truly value the supportive environment at the school. My experience as a paraprofessional at Mattie Wells has prepared me to transition into a teaching role where I can implement engaging, hands-on lessons while maintaining effective classroom management. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute even more to the school and help my students succeed.
How do you plan on changing the world?
I plan on changing the world by shaping the minds of young learners and fostering a love for education. As a teacher, I will create a classroom where students feel valued, encouraged and inspired to reach their full potential. By incorporating engaging, hands-on lessons and building strong relationships with my students, I hope to instill confidence and a passion for lifelong learning.
Beyond the classroom, I aim to support my community by advocating for equitable education and mentoring other educators. My long-term goal is to take on leadership roles, such as an instructional coach, to help teachers grow and implement best practices. Every child deserves a teacher who believes in them, and I want to be that teacher who makes a lasting impression.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
For incoming students, my advice is to embrace learning with an open mind and a positive attitude. School is not just about grades — it’s about growth, curiosity and developing skills that will help you throughout life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes and try new things because that’s how learning happens.
Also, build strong relationships with your teachers and classmates. Having a support system will make school more enjoyable and help you succeed. Stay organized, manage your time well and always put forth your best effort. Most importantly, believe in yourself — you are capable of achieving great things!
How did Mercer prepare you for your future?
Mercer University prepared me for my future by providing a strong foundation in both educational theory and practical classroom experience. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on field placements, I gained the skills necessary to create engaging lesson plans, manage a classroom effectively and support diverse learners.
The professors and mentors at Mercer challenged me to think critically, reflect on my teaching practices, and continuously strive for improvement. My time in the program also reinforced the importance of building relationships with students, colleagues and the community. Additionally, Mercer’s emphasis on leadership and service has inspired me to not only be a great educator but also a lifelong advocate for student success.
What makes Mercer special to you?
Mercer is special to me because it provided a supportive and inspiring environment that shaped me into the educator I am becoming. The University’s commitment to academic excellence, hands-on learning and community engagement helped me grow both professionally and personally.
The relationships I built with professors, mentors and fellow students made my journey even more meaningful. The faculty genuinely cared about my success, always pushing me to improve while offering guidance and encouragement. Mercer also gave me the opportunity to gain valuable classroom experience early on, allowing me to apply what I learned in the real world.
Also, I’m continuing the Mercer legacy with my mom!
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