Hailey Droge, Kelsey Zach among students being recognized as Chancellor's Scholars

14 Dec 2022    

Hailey Droge and Kelsey Zach, both students in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, are among the 13 Husker graduates who will be recognized as Chancellor's Scholars during the undergraduate commencement ceremony Dec. 17. Students are named Chancellor's Scholars for maintaining perfect 4.0 GPAs on all collegiate work.

Droge and Zach responded to a short Q-&-A ahead of Saturday's commencement.

Hailey Droge

Berryton, Kansas | Communication Sciences & Disorders (Education minor)

Why did you choose Nebraska?
I chose Nebraska for several reasons. I loved the atmosphere of the campus. The faculty seemed to genuinely care and the students seemed happy to be there. My time here proved this to be true. Beyond this, UNL was one of the most affordable options for me at the time.

What made you interested in communication sciences and disorders?
My biggest professional dream is to become a speech-language pathologist! I have always known I want to serve my community. I also understand that communication is the core of many crucial aspects of an individual’s life. Due to this, I chose to pursue a degree in communication sciences and disorders in hopes of someday equipping individuals with the tools for them to communicate effectively.

What has been one aspect about your undergraduate experience that you think will contribute to your success moving forward?
One thing about my undergrad experience that will contribute to my success moving forward is the value of balance. I have learned here that, yes, it is very important to work hard. However, it is also important to tend to other areas of my life. Each of my professors instilled this in me, as well as my classmates. I am very thankful for this.

What other events, activities and/or groups have you been involved in during your undergraduate experience?
While I have been involved in several things, the most notable involvement I have been part of is the Learning Lab for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Being a student researcher has helped me learn so much!

What are your plans after graduation?
I am taking a gap semester to save up for SLP graduate school in the fall!

Kelsey Zach

Elkhorn, Nebraska | Elementary Education & Special Education (K-6)

Why did you choose Nebraska?
When looking at colleges for my undergraduate, I knew I wanted to stay close to home. My older sister was at UNL when I was applying and I had other friends and family members who had been through the college and loved it. Additionally, Lincoln was the perfect distance, where I wasn’t too close to my family but also not too far away. In the end, I based my decision on what felt the most like home to me and I ended up right where I was meant to be.

What made you interested in teaching, and in special education in particular?
I have known from a young age that I was going to be a teacher when I grew up. From playing pretend school with my friends and stuffed animals to jumping into a teacher cadet high school program, it all felt natural to me. Now, my interest in special education all came from watching my dad in elementary school and seeing the way he interacted with his Adaptive P.E. students. The love and passion he has for helping others inspired me to want to do the same. His personality shines with his students as he never fails to make them laugh and put a smile on their faces. Overall, I would say the reason I am in the field of education today is because of my dad; he has taught me the importance of patience, kindness, and what it means to inspire others with an open heart.

What has been one aspect about your undergraduate experience that you think will contribute to your success moving forward?
One of the greatest experiences I had in my undergraduate program was the opportunity to teach in practicums and student teaching. I was able to work hands-on in a range of general education, special education, and life skills classrooms. I was exposed to and challenged with new behaviors and had the opportunity to learn strategies when working with difficult or defiant students. Additionally, I participated in meetings, MDTs and IEPs, and was treated as a true staff member. I have continued, and will continue, to grow my teaching toolbox with knowledge and experience as I get ready to teach my own group of students. My previous students have already helped me develop into a better educator along the way, as I was constantly learning from them.

What other events, activities and/or groups have you been involved in during your undergraduate experience?
While attending classes at UNL, I was also involved in Greek life. I was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma which helped me connect and immerse myself in other organizations and philanthropies. To name a few, I helped with the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, the Alzheimer's Walk, Miss Amazing, and Dance Marathon. Some of the philanthropies I was involved in included raising money for the Madonna Rehabilitation Center, Alzheimer’ Association, The Kim Foundation, ALS Association, and many more.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to start my master's through an online program at UNK. I will sub for the remainder of the spring semester as I start to apply for jobs out west. I look forward to teaching my first year starting in August of 2023, whether that be in a special education classroom or a general education setting!