Building Relationships
When junior Shelby Fink transferred from Iowa Central to Midland last year, she was faced with several hurdles. She was attending school out of her home state, had to overcome new COVID protocols, and was in an unfamiliar atmosphere. She’d be lying if she said she regretted her decision to transfer in her first few months at Midland. Looking back now, she would say it was one of the best decisions she made.
“Moving four hours away was really hard. I came to Midland, and I instantly told myself, ‘I’m leaving after this semester because I can’t do this.’ Sometimes it’s easy to look at these things and focus on the negatives, but what you are really missing out on are the many opportunities Midland can give you. Midland has brought me many things, including friends and mentors.”
What drew Shelby to Midland was its education program. As early as sixth grade, Shelby knew she wanted to teach but wasn’t sure what subject. It wasn’t until high school when a teacher started a group called “Friends Club” that worked to bring people of all abilities together, that Shelby discovered her passion for working with students in special education. Her love for the field has only grown since being a part of Midland’s education program.
“In high school, our SPED teacher, Alicia Schaben, had a big impact on starting me on my path to special education through starting Friends Club. Since being at Midland, I have really clicked with what my special education professor, Theresa Ferg, says about special education. These individuals are super compassionate and are huge advocates for special education. What draws me to a teacher is when they take the time to build relationships with students. I want to be that kind of a teacher for my students.”
As a future special education teacher, Shelby hopes to advocate for her students. Teachers take a significant role in students’ lives, and as a teacher, she wants to make sure she is leaving a positive impact on her students. This is especially true for her students in special education.
“Sometimes, students in special education are overlooked. Sometimes their disabilities can make it challenging to make friends or participate in activities. Knowing that they have a teacher that is willing to advocate for them, talk to them when they need to, and set up events that help them socialize allows them to be a part of that general education population.”
At Midland, Shelby hopes to prepare herself to be the best teacher possible for her future students. As manager of the women’s basketball team, SEA, and the education department work-study, Shelby hopes to learn as much as she can from her mentors in these programs.
“Midland has a lot of organizations you can join. I am able to experience these opportunities with teachers who have been teaching for a while and learn from them.”
Looking back to a time when she had her doubts about Midland, Shelby can’t help but laugh. In her time here, she has found being a Midland Warrior a rewarding and special experience, especially since she has built relationships.
“I grew up in a small town, and I think when you can come into those small communities and environments, you can build relationships. At Midland, I still have those small classes, and I am able to make those relationships with my professors right off the bat.”
Shelby Fink is a junior special education major from Clarion, IA. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
