Nayeli Samaguey, a first-generation college student born and raised in Melba, always had a passion for working with children while helping them learn and grow. Now in her professional year as an intern in a bilingual classroom at Reed Elementary in Kuna, Samaguey will graduate next spring with the experience she needs to make a difference in the classroom.
Though being a first-generation student comes with challenges, Samaguey found mentorship through the TRIO program in high school and at Boise State, and from parents who wanted a better life for themselves and Samaguey.
“Though my parents never went to college, they supported my dreams and have been with me every step of the way,” said Namaguey. “They knew college was in my future before I knew.”
The teacher education program in the College of Education provides an immersive experience for teacher candidates like Samaguey, pairing them with a mentor teacher in a classroom to ensure candidates have on-the-job experience and are prepared to teach in their own classrooms when they graduate.
“Being an intern has been a great and very rewarding learning experience,” said Samaguey. “Being in the classroom is very hands-on. I am fortunate to have built relationships with students, to the point where they are comfortable to express themselves.”