Student Passionate about Teaching, Learning and Being a Pioneer
New Jersey native speaks highly of professors, education program and SHU experience
For as long as Sacred Heart University student Alyssa Agolia can remember, she has wanted to be a teacher.
“Growing up, I always wanted to help children,” said Agolia, 22, a senior majoring in interdisciplinary studies. “I knew I wanted to be there for children in their academics and be there for them emotionally. They are the future leaders, and I want them to know they have a reason to be in school. Plus, I always loved school, and I knew I wanted to have a classroom of my own someday.”
When it came time for Agolia to pick a college, she was unsure about moving too far from her West Caldwell, NJ, home. But her sister, Alexandra Agolia, was attending Sacred Heart and encouraged her younger sibling to visit. “I didn’t know if I wanted to leave New Jersey, but my sister wanted to show me her second home, so I decided to check it out,” Agolia said.
Agolia left her first SHU visit with a good feeling about the University. When her sister encouraged her to visit the campus again, Agolia went alone so no one would be there to influence her decision. “I really loved it,” Agolia said. “When I got the acceptance letter in December of 2017, it was such a blessing; I knew this was the beginning of something and that SHU would be my home.”
Since she was pursuing a career in teaching at SHU’s Isabelle Farrington College of Education, Agolia quickly joined the education club. “It really got me on the right path to becoming a teacher,” she said. The club provided her with immediate friends, stimulating activities on and off campus and the ability to connect with like-minded peers who had similar goals.
Agolia is enrolled in SHU’s five-year program, which enables her to earn her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, her master’s degree in teaching and Connecticut’s elementary teaching certification. The move to remote learning during her sophomore year due to the pandemic was a challenge, but Agolia said she was grateful for technology that enabled her to stay connected. While SHU’s classes were in-person during her junior year, Agolia’s clinical experience with a Bridgeport elementary school was remote. She enjoyed working with professionals and children, she said, but she wished she could have been there physically to help children who struggled with math problems or arts and crafts projects. She said she’s excited her clinical experience this year is in-person, and she can’t wait to delve into hands-on learning with her students.
Agolia credits her SHU professors for helping her through the past few years, providing her with the tools to succeed and instilling in her an even deeper love of learning. Many professors had a great influence on her, she said, including Susan Gannon, who teaches psychology. “She was just always there for me,” Agolia said.
Gannon taught the introduction to psychology course Agolia took her freshman year, and Agolia struggled a bit at first because she was still settling into college and getting used to her rigorous classes. Gannon took the time to help her. “After every quiz or test, she asked me if I wanted to go over it,” Agolia said. “She didn’t have to do that. She really inspired me to be the person I am now. She makes learning fun.”
“Alyssa has always been connected to her work, her peers and her professors,” said Gannon. “She is inquisitive, friendly and outgoing, and simply draws people to her. Her engagement in the classroom stimulated others to participate. She has recommended many students to my courses, and they all speak of her in glowing terms. I would say that she just radiates such positivity and a genuine love for others.”
Agolia graduates in 2022 and doesn’t have a preference for what grade she teaches; she just knows she wants to teach elementary school. She is excited for her next two years, when she will complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and she already feels thankful to SHU for providing her with so much.
“SHU made me such a confident person. The University brought me out of my comfort zone and empowered me to be the person and the teacher I want to be,” she said.