Kendall Newell
Class of 2018
Education Major
Sense of Purpose
I chose Heidelberg because of the small campus size. My favorite part about campus is the positive and caring atmosphere. Your professors care about you and they will do anything to make you successful. It gives me a sense of purpose and that I am important here at Heidelberg.
Adventure in Athletics
With the wrestling team, I enjoy traveling and competing. I would have to say the trip to Nashville was the highlight of my experiences on the team. We got to compete in some team duals down there. Following the competition, we explored downtown Nashville. The streets were filled and music was blasting everywhere! That was an amazing experience.
Summer in China
I went to Tianjin, China, for the whole month of June 2017. Our objective was to teach English to education majors at Tianjin Normal University. The 12-hour time difference left our whole team feeling drained for a few days but we soon adapted. Working with students whose primary language is not English definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Because of that, I feel like I have grown professionally as a future teacher. The biggest highlight of my adventure in China would have to be walking one of the world's many wonders: The Great Wall of China. I have seen it in many movies and even textbooks. I just never thought I would have had an opportunity to see it in person. It took some time for me to take it all in because I was completely amazed by the experience!
Making Connections
The force that drives me to be involved is friendship. Who knew that forming a simple connection with one person can go a long way. I joined one group and my connections started to multiply, which lead me to getting more involved! Out of my countless connections, I have found some to grow into relationships that will last a lifetime. After a while, you develop that sense of family!
Expand Your Comfort Zone
Most of us picked Heidelberg because they offer the major you want or the sport you want to play. Yes, that is important, but there is more to it than that. I urge everyone to come here with the attitude to try new things! I wish I had that mentality coming out of high school. If you are unsure about joining a new group, I advise you to do it. If you have anxiety about leaving the country, I advise you to do it. I am talking from experience! Joining new groups has helped me form friendships that will last forever. Leaving the country has taken me on eye-opening adventures that have changed the way I view the world! Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself because that is where you will begin to see your growth!
Fun Facts
Hometown: Vandalia, Ohio
Most Used App: Facebook
Favorite Athlete: David Taylor
Favorite Campus Events: Greek life events
Campus Involvements: Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Delta Sigma Chi Corollary, International Teaching Experiences: China & Dominican Republic, Resident Assistant, Division III Athletics: Wrestling
Post-Graduation Plans: After graduation, I hope to get my first job teaching K-3rd grade. This is my dream job so I am excited to begin my own journey next year! My plan is to go back after a few years of teaching to get my master’s degree and obtain a license to become an intervention specialist for students with mild/moderate disabilities.
Read more in the Humans of Heidelberg series.