HEHD Student Spotlight for October 2008
Name: AbdurRabb Watkins
School or Department: Eugene T. Moore School of Education
Major: Elementary Education
Why did you choose your particular area of study? To put it plainly, I feel called to serve in this manner and have a vision for how I will impact greater change in years to come. The elementary years are arguably the most important period during a person’s academic lifespan. This is where the foundational principles like reading, writing, and arithmetic are rooted. A sound start here can make a world of difference, and that’s exactly what I intend. A better educated populous is better equipped to solve the world’s problems.
What skills have you learned that will allow you to affect change in our society? I’ve developed an educational toolbox rich with resources and ideas for differentiating instruction, technology integration, and new inquiry based learning strategies. I’ve also learned how to develop relationships with communities and administrations that can be leveraged to build bridges to get needs met. Effectively communicating ideas and working within teams has also been an important point of development.
Which member of the HEHD faculty will you remember most? Why? That’s a tough one. I’ve met some great people in Tillman, but I think the professor that stands most prominently in my mind is Dr. Jonda McNair. I remember the summer that I was introduced to her work with developing a culture of literacy within families in the upstate. As I watched the children engage in the reading material and their mothers and fathers be there to support them in their literacy development, I really came to understand the principle that good teachers are good community members. Since, other MISTERs and I have had the privilege of engaging in a research inquiry project with Dr. McNair, begin to build a strong library of children’s books, publish children’s book reviews for the “I Never Knew…” newsletter, and assist in her presentation at IRA’s annual conference. I can’t thank Dr. McNair enough for the professional development, guidance, and exposure she has provided. Those kinds of experiences are what help set students apart.
What is your most memorable event from your time in college? My study abroad experience in Carpi, Italy was without a doubt my most memorable event. I still keep in contact with my host family and certainly plan to make a return trip soon.
What would you do differently if you had to start over as a freshman? I would take more salsa classes. Everything else is good as is.
What are your goals after graduation? I am currently pursuing a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Indonesia. Afterword, my current plan is to teach for three to four years in upstate South Carolina, remaining in close relationship with the Call Me MISTER cohort at Clemson University. Later, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a dual degree in Education and Management (MBA and Ed.D.). Afterward, I hope to teach in South Carolina elementary schools, eventually moving into public school administration. My ultimate goal is to build a MISTER Academy through a charter school grant. It will be the culmination of lessons gained from academic coursework, research, field experiences locally and abroad, and the knowledge and expertise of trusted colleagues and professionals. The accompanying curriculum will be academically rigorous and culturally relevant with an emphasis on global citizenship that challenges students to expand their understanding of the community to which we all belong.
Why did you choose Clemson University? I chose Clemson for the Call Me MISTER program.
Please list your favorite(s).
• Hobby: Writing, Spending time with the MISTERs, River Kayaking, Photography, Traveling
• Book: The Autobiography of Malcolm X
• Movie: V for Vendetta
• Electronic gadget: iPhone 3G. The most useful device I never needed.
• Vacation destination: Firenze (Florence), Italy
• Musical genera: Bossa Nova, Soul, Classical, & Kanye
• Previously owned vehicle: Haha, I’ve never had one.
• Influential person: Ummi (My mom)
• Person with whom you would like to have a conversation: My Father
• Thing that makes you smile: Seeing people (esp. young people) learn. Gets me every time
• Advice received: “Never be afraid to ask for anything.”
• Advice to give: “Hakuna Matata”