May 2021 graduate spotlights: special education
05 May 2021
Four students – Colin Dike, Grace Hanson, Faith Hrnchir and Amy Schramm – share Q-&-As ahead of the commencement ceremony May 8, 2021. Dike and Hanson are graduating with bachelor's degrees in special education (7-12), while Hrnchir and Schramm are graduates of the dual-degree program in elementary education and special education (K-6).
Colin Dike
Lansing, Kansas | Special Education (7-12) | Communication minor
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
My biggest factor in attending UNL was affordability and time to degree completion. UNL was low cost and very direct with me from the start on exactly what I needed to do to finish my degree on time with minimal debt.
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
I competed on the UNL Debate team, ASUN, and worked closely with the Centers for Transformative Teaching.
What made you interested in studying Special Education?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to get my bachelor's in special education as a stepping-stone to law school. Special education is deeply intertwined with all areas of educational law; from the writing of Individual Education Plans (IEP's), to the location and timeliness of services provided, to a broad vision of equity that is codified into IDEA and section 504 of the ADA. I knew that going to UNL would best prepare me for my further education. I chose 7-12 because I love watching young adults go out and find their place in the world. There is just something special about being a part of the transition process that takes all the academic skills students have learned and then uses them as tools to help students be their own best versions of themselves.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide special education services to students?
The pandemic has definitely challenged me to adapt my teaching to meet the needs of students in totally different environments. To this day, I have students that I have never met face-to-face, but I am still tasked with providing them the additional educational resources and experiences that will help them grow. This pandemic has been a strong reminder that teaching is never constant, but rather rapidly evolving with our world.
What’s next?
I will attend UNL law school to pursue a joint JD/MA in Educational Law.
Grace Hanson
Anthem, Arizona | Special Education (7-12) | Child, Youth, and Family Studies minor
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
Nebraska was actually the only school I applied to. My grandpa always talked so highly about UNL and I think I was brainwashed at such a young age!
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
NRHH, RHA, Union Board, CEHS Advisory Board
What made you interested in studying Special Education?
I love being able to advocate for and support my students. Middle schoolers are so fun and quirky - it just makes the job that much more entertaining!
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide special education services to students?
The pandemic has just made us teachers be more patient than ever and utilize all resources on deck. I think I will be a better teacher from my experiences with Zoom learning and collaboration with families.
What’s next?
Working at Monroe Middle School in Omaha Public Schools.
Faith Hrnchir
Hastings, Nebraska | Elementary & Special Education (K-6) | International Studies minor
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
I chose to attend UNL because I've always wanted to be a Husker!
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
I was involved in Chi Omega, Dance Marathon, Omicron Delta Kappa, CEHS Study Abroad, and the Newman Center.
What made you interested in studying Special Education?
I became interested in studying special education when I was in high school. In my experiences before college, I was drawn toward empowering others by emphasizing their abilities rather than their disabilities.
How has the pandemic helped you think differently about how you will provide special education services to students?
Due to the pandemic, I have been able to experiment with alternative forms of education. These experiences have allowed me to be creative as I explore providing services virtually while simultaneously maintaining student engagement during the lesson.
What’s next?
After graduation, I will be teaching 5th grade at Norris Intermediate School.
Amy Schramm
Odell, Nebraska | Elementary & Special Education (K-6)
What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska?
Apart from being a life-long Husker, the most significant factor in deciding to attend UNL was the amount of practicum experience I would receive inside the public schools. Within my program, I was provided the opportunity to observe and teach almost every semester. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to be successful in my first professional position.
What activities/organizations were you involved in on campus?
I am an active member of Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, Tau Sigma Honor Society, and Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honor Society. I am also a member of the Nebraska State Education Association’s Aspiring Educators Chapter at UNL.
What made you interested in studying Special Education?
I knew in my heart that I had a passion for teaching and I wanted to fully prepare myself for any situation I may encounter in my classroom. I knew that studying special education would supply me with the tools for providing person-centered education and an ability to adapt lesson based on different learning styles and levels. Understanding the best way to teach all types and levels of learners allows me to be a more effective teacher to every student who enters my room.
What’s next?
I have accepted a position as a LIFE skills special education teacher at Jefferson Intermediate School in Fairbury, Nebraska. I will also be teaching summer school and hosting a “Jump Start” program for the new school year with this new position.
Special Education and Communication Disorders