Teaching is in Her Blood
She may have tried to convince herself otherwise when she was younger, but Reilly Peetz always knew education was the path she would be taking after college.
A senior Elementary Education major from North Loup, Nebraska, Reilly’s family influence when it came to education had her potentially plotting a different course when she got to college. “I actually tried hard not to get into education when I was younger. My mom was a teacher, and I didn’t want people to think I only got into education because of my mom. So I looked at things like optometry or interior design, but it all kept coming back to teaching. I knew before I started college that’s what I wanted to do because I liked school, and it fit the lifestyle I was looking for.”
Now, just a few months from graduation, Reilly’s education circle is nearly complete, as she has already accepted a position as a fourth-grade teacher with Arlington Public Schools for the 2024-25 school year. “I did my student teaching at Arlington in the fall, and that’s an age range I really enjoy working with. It will be nice to be able to enjoy my last few months of college without worrying about where I will be working.”
Much like following her mom’s path into the education field, she also followed her path to Midland. Reilly’s mom, Jodie (Asper), was a 1993 Midland graduate and a member of the volleyball team. “My goal was to come here and play volleyball like mom, but injuries made me rethink the volleyball part. Then my older brother, Kyler (a 2022 Midland grad), decided to come here, and I always tell him that he stole my thunder. I often joke with him that I made the decision to come to Midland before he did.”
It’s a decision she looks back on with no regrets, and has made sure to enjoy the full college experience by getting involved in nearly everything Midland has to offer. She has been a four-year member of the Dance team and has also been involved as an Admissions Ambassador, as well as being part of the Cardinal Key National Honor Society, Cru, Anderson Scholar Leader program, and Phi Omega sorority. “I think I’ve had a packed schedule since middle school, so being involved is nothing new to me. I’ve made friends through my teammates, classmates, my sorority, and student organizations. I think one of my favorite parts about Midland is that being so involved has allowed me to make friends across campus and be with people who share the same common values as I do.”
Beyond the friendships, Reilly is also grateful for the relationships she has forged with faculty members who have been there for her throughout the college journey. “I feel like I’ve made lifelong mentors here. I’m fortunate to have had professors who I think the world of, and value their knowledge and advice. They have supported me and helped shape me into the person I am.”
She has built plenty of memories during her time at Midland, and while she is sad to leave those behind, Reilly is excited about the new adventures that lie ahead. “I’m going to miss so many things about Midland, but as much as I have loved it, I’m also ready for a new chapter.”
Reilly Peetz is a senior Elementary Education major from North Loup, Nebraska.
