Following His Heart

While teaching wasn’t what he came to MMU for, Adam Czajka ’22 had been amazed at what he’s learned in the education program and the values associated with it here on the Hill.

MMU: What about teaching interested you? When did your passion for education start?

AC: I feel the place my passion for teaching began is similar to many others. There was a teacher in my younger years that had a massive impact on my life. It was his teaching that inspired me to become a teacher. The fact that you can educate a person about life, but also befriend them and become a positive influence for them is why I want to be a teacher. 

MMU: What is your philosophy regarding education? How is your Mercy education impacting you so far?

AC: All children deserve a good education, but in order to provide that good education, you must understand your students. I believe that the most important factor when it comes to education is understanding your students, and understanding the types of students you’ll have. It's an important role to teach, but it is another important role to be there for them. Especially nowadays when divorce rates are high and families are split, it is important to be a grounded, unchanging event in their life. Mount Mercy does a great job with educating you about those many types of students through classes. By providing field experience opportunities, you are really able to see what you’ve learned take place in person.

"It's an important role to teach, but it is another important role to be there for them."

MMU: Why did you choose Mount Mercy’s education program over others? What interested you about MMU?

AC: Originally, I came to Mount Mercy as a graphic design major. However, my passion for that waned as I couldn’t see myself in it as an overall profession. I had heard about how nice the education program was. After a lot of consideration, I changed my major to early childhood education. The most interesting part of MMU’s program to me was its overall size. Classes are smaller, and it’s much easier to get your voice heard and questions answered. 

MMU: What excites you most about your courses? What’s one lesson or piece of advice you’ve taken to heart?

AC: The most exciting part of a class in the education program is the field experience. When I get the chance to go back to an elementary classroom and see the children’s faces all light up with awe and intrigue is a moment that always makes me smile. One lesson that I feel is very important to understand is that education is not a single-person job. So many of your peers will all be dedicated to educating the next generation and can provide great help if needed. It is nice to be self-sufficient, but everyone needs help every now and then.

MMU: What area of education interests you the most, e.g. reading, math, science, special education, etc.? What does your dream job look like?

AC: As a kid, I fell in love with science. Space, dinosaurs, chemistry, and all those wonderful subjects were what my young eyes locked onto. However, I respect every area of education and am eager to learn how to teach others about them. My dream job would simply be in a kindergarten classroom.

MMU: What besides the academics excites you about Mount Mercy? What’s one benefit you’ve had here versus other universities?

AC: I relate once again to the size of the campus. For those that live on campus as I have, it’s wonderful having everything so close together, and within walking distance. This is further emphasized by the tunnels around campus that allow you access everywhere without having to walk through awful weather. And once again, the classroom sizes are much smaller than other universities, which is a positive in my eyes.

MMU: You’ve been a part of the gaming club on campus—how has that impacted you? Would you share a favorite experience from the club? How has being part of clubs and other organizations affected your college experience?

AC: Being a part of gaming club has been a reminder of how many like-minded individuals share your interests on campus. It’s sometimes rough for someone to move to a new state for their college degree. Without knowing anyone, it’s hard to break the ice and forge friendships. Clubs are here to remind you that your interests are shared, and there are people who would like to get along and talk about those interests. My favorite experiences of gaming club are just the many times we’ve spent nights playing certain games into the wee hours of the morning. It was terrible for our sleep schedules, but some of those memories cannot be replaced.

"Clubs are here to remind you that your interests are shared, and there are people who would like to get along and talk about those interests."

MMU: What’s one challenge you’ve faced so far and how did you overcome it?

AC: I feel my biggest challenge in the education program was getting used to being a part of it. It honestly felt a bit intimidating at first, with some of my peers having years upon years of experience in daycares or classrooms, while I have had no experience beforehand. It really just took that first field experience I had to crush those nerves and make me feel a part of it. I may not have as much experience as others, but we all had to start somewhere, right?

MMU: Anything to add?

AC: I’d like to say that the education program is very accepting and helpful. I honestly wouldn’t know where I’d be at the moment if my professors and peers hadn’t been there alongside to help me down this path. It’s been an enjoyable experience, and far beyond what I expected.