Sampson’s Fisher Hopes to Impact Young Minds
MOUNT OLIVE- When Kayla Fisher of Roseboro was a student at Lakewood High School, she visited the University of Mount Olive and fell in love with the campus and the people.
“It felt like home,” she said.
Fisher enrolled as a freshmen in August of 2014 majoring in elementary education.
“I have always enjoyed working with children,” she said. “I feel like I can inspire young minds and make a difference in their learning ability.”
For Fisher, passion and leadership are two of the most important characteristics a teacher can possess.
“To be a successful teacher, you have to be passionate about it,” she said. “Throughout my four years at UMO, I have had so many teachers that have influenced my love for teaching. There were also many of my former teachers at Lakewood that made an impact on me and my desire to be a good teacher.”
In addition to her studies, Fisher has been an activate participant in campus life. She is a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SACC), tutor, Supplemental Instructor, and a member of the cheerleading squad.
“It has been an awesome opportunity and experience to be a cheerleader at the collegiate level.” She said. “I have been captain my junior and senior years.”
As a member of the cheerleading squad, Fisher earned a cheerleading scholarship. She also received the M.J. Soffe scholarship, Golden Leaf scholarship, Merit Scholarship, and Residency Scholarship.
“These scholarships have helped me pay for my college education,” she said.
Fisher has also helped to pay for college by working in the UMO Department of Education.
“Kayla is hardworking, dedicated, dependable, and possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of an effective teacher education candidate,” said Dr. Ruby Bell, Chair of Department of Education. “During the time spent in my courses she never missed an assignment and they were all submitted on time and well-above expectations. She pays great attention to detail and has a positive attitude, which I am sure will transcend into the classroom. Students in her classroom will grow to understand the importance of an education as she encourages learning, growth and development.”
Fisher is set to graduate from UMO with her bachelor’s degree in May. She plans to move back to Sampson County and find a teaching job.
“I want to make a difference where I grew up,” she said. “I have observed different grade levels and K-2 have been the grades I have liked the most. Once I have started teaching, I plan to go back to college and earn my master’s degree in elementary education.”
As a first generation college student, Fisher is motivated to excel and set an example for other members of her family.
“Being the first in my family to go to college motivates me to finish and exceed in my career. My experience at Mount Olive has been great. I love that the teachers know their students individually and do what they can to make sure you succeed. The University of Mount Olive and its staff have been extraordinary in all aspects,” Fisher concluded.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
