Although Colorado State University School of Education student Michelle Hjelm’s degree did not go as originally planned, she’s excited to receive her master’s degree in Education and Human Resource Studies plus teacher licensure in early childhood education on December 15.
Hjelm is originally from Eugene, Oregon, and moved to Colorado three years ago so that her husband, Eric Hjelm, could accept a job in the Athletics Department at Colorado State University.
Due to some circumstances outside of her control, Hjelm’s student teaching experience had to be extended, pushing her graduation back a semester.
“When those unforeseen circumstances arose, I was initially extremely disappointed to not be able to graduate with my cohort,” explained Hjelm.
However, Hjelm was grateful to CSU’s Juliana Searle and Terry Schlicting who were instrumental in adjusting her student teaching placement that enabled Hjelm to grow as a future educator.
“Michelle is a reflective, thoughtful, and extremely talented educator,” said Searle. “We have no doubt that she will be an incredible teacher, making meaningful impact in the lives of students and the larger community.”
Hjelm also credits others with supporting her on her journey to becoming a teacher. “I cannot thank Jody Drager, my University Coach, and Jessica Endres, my Mentor Teacher, enough for the phenomenal learning experiences they offered me,” she said.
On campus, Hjelm loved going to CSU football, volleyball, and basketball games, but she says what she’ll miss most is the learning.
“Every class I have taken at CSU has had so much new knowledge to offer, and my cohort, as well as the professors, were all so excited to grow and improve together. This type of positive, riveting energy about education is something that will be a part of me forever.”
As Hjelm moves into life after graduation, she and her husband plan to return home to Oregon. There, she wants to teach at an elementary school where she can continue to learn and grow as an educator.
The School of Education is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
