“I was very fortunate to have a great group of teachers throughout my childhood. They made me feel confident, smart and passionate about learning, which led me to want to follow in their footsteps,” Allison says. “I want to have a positive and inspiring impact on my future students and contribute to my community the same way that my teachers did for me.”

Ever since her elementary school days, Allison has dreamt of being a physical education teacher and high-school volleyball coach.  

“My PE teacher from elementary school, Mrs. Beasley, inspired me to pursue playing volleyball, which led to my love of sports,” she says.

Allison already has some student teaching experience under her belt. As a student at Clover High School in South Carolina, she was selected to be a part of the Teacher’s Cadet Program. During this time, she worked in a first-grade class, helping students with math, reading comprehension and writing. The York, S.C., native also has experience coaching several volleyball clinics in her hometown.

On to Higher Education

As a first-year student, Allison, who is also in the Honors Program, is excited about getting to know all her Guilford professors and soaking up their wisdom.

“All of my professors and advisors have been so helpful and supportive” she says. “They helped me decide on my educational path and have shown me helpful ways to better understand writing, which has always been a struggle of mine.”

With a growth mindset like that, Allison is sure to achieve her dreams and inspire others along the way.

“The most rewarding feeling to me is seeing a child’s face light up after learning how to solve a math problem or listening to a child read a book with ease that they once struggled with,” she says.

After Guilford, she plans to earn a master’s degree in education to become either an elementary school teacher or a physical education teacher and volleyball coach.

At Home at Guilford

For now, Allison is enjoying the college experience. In addition to her teaching dreams, she’s also realizing her dreams to play collegiate volleyball, which is one of the reasons she was drawn to the school.

“We are a close-knit team that gets along with each other very well. I can’t wait to begin our next season!” she says.

Allison is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

“I joined FCA to continue following my faith and to grow closer to other Christian athletes that share the same love of Christ that I do,” she says. “This club has introduced me to a lot of people and made many of my relationships grow stronger.  We have a great time playing games and spending time together.”

Allison also noted that she is looking forward to traveling on the Fantastic Journeys class next year as part of Guilford’s Honors Program.

Drawing on wisdom she has gained so far, she offered some advice to other Guilford students.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things, join a new club and, most of all, stay organized,” she advises. “Make connections with your professors and get to know them. The more they know about you, the more they can help you to be successful.”