College of Education and Human Development introduces student ambassador program
The College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) has introduced an undergraduate ambassador program with 14 inaugural students.
The group of students represent majors from all three undergraduate departments – curriculum and instruction, health and kinesiology and nutrition, hospitality and human services.
“I decided to become a COEHD Ambassador because I wanted to find a way to give back to the college I love as well as share that love with other students,” Mackenzie Howell, a junior interdisciplinary studies major, said. “I am truly thankful to the COEHD and all the opportunities it has given me, the people it has allowed me to meet, and the way it has prepared me to be a great teacher.”
The ambassador program creates an opportunity to showcase COEHD from the student perspective. Ambassadors will assist with major events like welcoming students at New Student Orientation and connecting with prospective students at Cardinal View.
The group will serve as representatives at in-house events, during the academic year, to encourage and promote participation throughout the academic college.
“I decided to become a student ambassador for the COEHD because I love being able to give back to my community and others in any way that I can,” sophomore sports and recreational management major, Jada Manigo Robinson said. “As I transitioned into my sophomore year, I thought that I’d take it to the next level by being a student advocate for Cardinals on campus. I’m looking forward to growing as a leader through service and community.”
Interested students are required to submit an application and go through an interview process.
To serve as a COEHD Ambassador, an applicant must be an undergraduate student enrolled in a major within the academic college, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, and have completed at least two semesters at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
For more information, visit: lamar.edu/education/students/ambassadors.html.
Let’s Meet the Ambassadors:
Alyvia/Junior/Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“My favorite experience as a COEHD student has been my teaching experience with the Junior Achievement program. This experience was built into the curriculum of my first major class, Introduction to Teacher Education. The program required us to have 10 hours in the classroom, first observing, then teaching the Junior Achievement lessons, which focused on economics. I taught in a fifth grade classroom at Groves Intermediate School. At first, I was very nervous to lead and teach a lesson all by myself. It was a new experience, and I felt underprepared. However, my professor, Dr. Gober, encouraged and supported me throughout the process. She provided time in the class to discuss challenges and collaborate with our peers. At the end of the teaching experience, I felt confident in my ability and call to teach. This first experience ignited my passion, and I am still excited for many experiences to come.”
Ashlyn/Junior/Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“Last semester, I was chosen to be a teacher assistant to Dr. Yan for a research project to help develop pre-K students' reading and emotional skills. I was able to go to several different Beaumont ISD classrooms and work with students. Dr. Yan has also served as my research mentor through a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) research grant. Our research will help us see how technology affects students' sociometric status.”
Dannika/Junior/Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“So far, my favorite experience as a College of Education and Human Development student has been being able to volunteer at the Cardinal View events. I love being able to meet and connect with future and incoming students and share the wonderful experience I have had within the college and at Lamar.”
Elizabeth/Senior/Exercise Science
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“My favorite experience as a College of Education and Human Development student has been attending Cardinal View and getting to witness the sense of community that exists between students in COEHD. At its core, COEHD cares about helping others and working towards a brighter tomorrow for everyone. I enjoy seeing students from all COEHD majors come together for the purpose of advocating for careers that have a positive impact on the world. Seeing this really motivated me, assuring me even more that COEHD is where I belong.”
Grace/Senior/Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“My favorite experience as a College of Education and Human Development student has been studying abroad. While I know this is not directly related to the college, I was able to study abroad because my advisors made it possible. I think I can offer assistance for other students who are interested in doing the same. It would be great for our program to have more students go abroad and gain a unique perspective on other cultures!”
Jada R./Sophomore/Sports & Recreational Management
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“My favorite experience in COEHD would be the seamless process of changing my major from interdisciplinary studies to sports and recreational management. COEHD faculty and staff provide you with chances to meet people in your career path and have a great team of advisors and coaches that help you plan your path.”
Jada T./Senior/Physical Education
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“My favorite experience as a student in the College of Education and Human Development has been having the opportunity to participate in student teaching. I love that I am having the chance to connect what I am obtaining a degree for to the real world. Having these experiences and getting to start working with our future leaders has been very insightful for me and has encouraged me even more to continue in this career path.”
Jamesia/Junior/Exercise Science
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“I enjoyed taking functional anatomy with Dr. Chilek last semester. I love being engaged and participating in hands-on assignments and activities. Being in COEHD is an excellent opportunity to learn about the human body in a supportive and engaging environment. The professors are very knowledgeable and go above and beyond to ensure that students are well-prepared for their future careers.”
Jenny/Senior/Exercise Science
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“One of my favorite experiences as a COEHD student was attending the annual Texas Chapter of American College of Sports Medicine state conference. I was able to compete in a Jeopardy-style quiz bowl team where we were tested in areas of metabolism, human anatomy, cardiopulmonary, nutrition, exercise testing, and biomechanics. Professors and club sponsors in my department are not only passionate about their areas of teaching, but also about mentoring their students.”
Kayla/Junior/Exercise Science
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“I've had several unforgettable memories during my time in COEHD. I have been able to conduct research, advocate for the importance of undergraduate research in Washington D.C. and hold an office position in our Pre-Physical and Occupational Therapy Club.”
Mackenzie/Junior/Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“So far, my favorite experience as a COEHD student has been participating in a ‘Pre-Kindergarten Socio-Emotional Reading Research’ project with Dr. Yan. I felt honored to be selected as a research assistant. I was able to work with Beaumont ISD pre-K students for a month where I would read stories and ask them to illustrate a picture according to a topic that was prevalent in the book. While students were drawing, researchers were able to go around and have conversations with each student, which ultimately helped to increase the students’ social skills. I feel this project provided me with many new tools to utilize in a classroom that I have saved in my ‘toolbox’ and encouraged me in my love for teaching.”
Madison/Junior/Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“My favorite experience in COEHD has probably been volunteering at Cardinal View. Working at my first Cardinal View was a turning point for me because I was volunteering as a Texas Academy student. I met faculty and staff within the college for the first time, and I also met alumni who are now living my dream of being a teacher and principal. I also got to speak to other college representatives about my degree and was able to meet current students going through residency teaching. Overall, I was able to learn so much and meet many people during the community event.”
Maryah/Senior/Nutrition-Dietetics
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“My favorite experience as a student in COEHD has to be helping with Cardinal View. I really enjoyed talking with prospective students and sharing my journey with them. It reminded me of when I was in their shoes, full of questions and excitement. One of the highlights was participating in the setup for the event. It was rewarding to contribute behind the scenes and see everything come together. Along the way, I had the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing people, including faculty, staff, and fellow students. The experience strengthened my communication and leadership skills and deepened my sense of connection to the college. Overall, it was an awesome and memorable experience.”
Shelby/Junior/Family Studies
Favorite COEHD Experience:
“I really enjoy volunteering for COEHD events. I love getting the chance to network, talk to all kinds of people, and find ways to relate to their experiences and education paths. It’s always a fun time and reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. In general, all of the COEHD majors are great because of the supportive and encouraging atmosphere. It’s a place where you feel motivated to grow both personally and professionally.”