Jazmine Truax
Jazmine Truax ’24 never anticipated she would follow in her mom’s footsteps of teaching kindergarten. As the student speaker for the commencement ceremony on Dec. 19, this senior is not only planning her speech but is already teaching her very own class of kindergarteners in West Fargo.
Hometown: Wahpeton, N.D.
Major: Elementary Education
Campus activities/roles: Viking Ambassador, Learning Commons Tutor, Student Advisory Committee, Teacher Education Committee, band, choir
Where did you do your student teaching? Tell us a bit about that experience.
I did my student teaching in 3rd grade at Eastwood Elementary in West Fargo with Ashlee Symington. Student teaching taught me how to refine my classroom management and build relationships with my students. It also led me to my current position as a kindergarten teacher at Eastwood!
What have you enjoyed the most about your time at 91³Ô¹Ï?
My favorite part of 91³Ô¹Ï is the small town feel around campus. My professors know me as an individual, not just a number in their class. I’m thankful for all my educational experiences. My time at 91³Ô¹Ï has been so valuable!
Why teaching?
My mom is a kindergarten teacher in Wahpeton and I love to spend as much time as I can in her classroom. I always told her I wasn’t going to teach kindergarten because that would mean becoming her mini-me, but here I am! I love spending time with the students. The joy they have for learning is contagious! I’m honored to be a part of their education journey!
What are your plans upon graduation?
I have already accepted a kindergarten position at Eastwood Elementary in West Fargo and started on November 4. I love my school, students, and colleagues! I do plan to come back to 91³Ô¹Ï when I decide to get my masters degree!
Any last words before you leave 91³Ô¹Ï?
Thank you to all the professors who pushed me to challenge myself. Thank you to my peers for all the laughs and memories made. Thank you to my family who supported me through my college years. Thank you 91³Ô¹Ï for preparing me to be an excellent educator! To the incoming students, get out of your comfort zone on day 1. You’ll thank yourself for it later!