Graduates in the Spotlight : 2019 Graduates in the Spotlight

Brian Rendich

image of Brian RendichHOMETOWN: Carmel, New York

MAJOR: Secondary Education – English

WCSU DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education

ACTIVITIES: Worked part-time in Tops Friendly Markets in New York to pay URI student loans down. “I’ve since taken a leave of absence because student teaching is equivalent to working a full-time job.”

INTERNSHIPS: Four total interactive observations at Broadview Middle School in Danbury, Bethel Middle School and Bethel High School. Now in student teaching semester at Bethel Middle School, in a 7th grade ELA classroom.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Dean’s List, 3.9 GPA, Stephen K. Lovett Secondary Education Award, Education Honors Society

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Brian Rendich began his educational career at the University of Rhode Island studying film media. “I was there for three semesters before deciding to change my major to education and transfer to a school closer to home,” he says.

Rendich transferred to WCSU “because of the reputation of the education program, the proximity to home and the very affordable tuition.” It took him five semesters to complete his degree program after having transferred in his URI credits, and he was able to take advantage of the in-state tuition offered to New York residents.

“I switched my major to education because I’ve always had an inclination toward teaching in general,” he says. “When I decided that film was more of a hobby than a career for me, teaching was my second option. I’m glad I switched, because teaching is such a rewarding profession.”

Once Rendich began his education studies at WCSU, he found several supporters in the department. “Professor Jaslow has been a mentor in the education program, and no matter how much catch-up work I had to do since my transfer, he always believed I could handle the workload,” he says. “Later on, professors such as Dr. Ferri and Mrs. Troetti helped me significantly in growing as an educator, and of course, my host teacher at the middle school, Shelly Rinas.”

Asked what he will remember most about his WCSU experience, Rendich says, “Successfully completing the education program’s professional development semester and moving into student teaching at Bethel Middle School.”

After graduation, Rendich says, “I plan to search for a job as a classroom teacher right after graduation, and in a few years, pursue a master’s in some education aspect. I haven’t narrowed down what I’ll go back for yet, but I want to settle into a job before going back!”

His advice to new students entering WCSU is: “Take initiative. It’s your education, and it’s up to you if you succeed or fail. Don’t wait for anyone to come to you or chase you down. Send that email. Make that adviser appointment. Inquire about that internship. Work hard and never stop. Discipline and organize yourself, and you’ll own your education.”