Before his journey at Colorado State University began, Brycce Wilber always knew he would be an elementary school teacher. With an innate devotion to helping children learn and grow, Wilber found the ideal community where his passion was shared – CSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies and its Early Childhood Education with Teacher Licensure Program.
Hailing from the small, rural town of Julesburg, Colorado, Wilber felt an affinity to CSU and Fort Collins as a setting for new opportunities with a touch of hometown familiarity.
“I was blessed to grow up in a community where the support of my career was unlike any other,” Wilber said. “I never truly knew where I was going to go to college, but after getting accepted to Colorado State it felt like the right fit for me with the agricultural background of the University and the overall destination Fort Collins being a great town and a place that felt like home.”
Excelling in the face of adversity
As a first-generation college student, Wilber’s path through higher education was not always perfectly paved. Despite the challenging circumstances of family health issues and financial strain, Wilber’s tenacity earned him a place on the Dean’s list every semester, while working multiple jobs and earning scholarships along the way.
“I wasn’t going to let the financial side of college get the best of me, but I knew if I worked hard enough, I would be able to get all that I needed to make things work,” Wilber says. “Not only was I supported by my family during these past four years, but the bosses who I was blessed to have helped me day-in and day-out to achieve what I wanted no matter the cost.”
One of the contributing forces that continues to help Wilber persist is his appreciative disposition and perpetual will to teach and nurture underserved youth.
“None of his challenges would be apparent when talking with Brycce,” Human Development and Family Studies Director of Undergraduate Advising, Katie Ditter, said. “He always expressed gratitude for his education, scholarships received, and the opportunity to pursue his dream as a teacher.”
Cultivating connections in and out of the classroom
Propelling himself forward with grace, Wilber accented his CSU experience by immersing himself within the department and teaching community. Whether he was volunteering at the CSU Early Childhood Center, earning his substitute teaching certificate, or sharing his expertise with peers in the HDFS program, Wilber made the most of his opportunities to help make a difference through education.
Wilber cites human development and family studies faculty and advisers as catalysts in recommending resources and opportunities, and continually providing support throughout his academic career.
“Every class I had, no matter the subject in HDFS, all the teachers welcomed me with open arms always offering help,” he said. “Angela Lewis and Katie Ditter have been two of the most impactful people during my college career. These two helped me whenever I needed it no matter the day, and always provided me with the resources needed to be the most successful I could be.”
In addition to his educational endeavors, Wilber also worked with the CSU Football team as an equipment manager – an experience he says he will cherish for a lifetime.
“Being able to connect with the players and coaches is something not a lot of people get to do, and working with them every day I was able to learn so much, not only about football, but about life as well,” said Wilber.
Serving future generations
As Wilber concludes his time at CSU, his next stop is Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he will teach 3rd grade at Ponca City Elementary School – an opportunity he eagerly looks forward to. Further down the road, Wilber plans to earn his master’s in education administration with the goal of becoming a principal.
With his sights set on his next ventures upon graduation, Wilber reflects on his journey with pride, and an appreciation for his CSU Ramily.
“CSU has been one of the best and most memorable places I could have ever wished to be a part of. During these four years, I have been able to call this place home,” Wilber remarks. “What I will miss the most about CSU after graduating is all of the memories that I was able to make during football and basketball games, and meeting friends that will last a lifetime.”
The Early Childhood Education with Teacher Licensure Program is an interdisciplinary degree with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the School of Education, both part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
