Graduates in the Spotlight : 2019 Graduates in the Spotlight

Jaclyn Smith

image of Jaclyn SmithHOMETOWN: Sandwich, Massachusetts

MAJOR: Elementary Education

MINOR: Spanish

WCSU DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

ACTIVITIES: Kathwari Honors Program, Softball Team, Education Club member, part-time work for WCSU RecreationDepartment and at the Sycamore Restaurant in Bethel. Also coaches and tutors high school girls.

INTERNSHIPS: Student-teaching in first grade at Pembroke Elementary School in Danbury

HONORS AND AWARDS: Dean’s List, NFCA Scholar Athlete, Softball Rookie of the Year 2016, May Sherwood Scholarship, Stephen K. Lovett Elementary Education Award, Education Honors Society

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Jaclyn Smith’s parents are WCSU alumni, which helps explain why a student from Massachusetts ended up attending college in Danbury, but it wasn’t the primary reason. “I came to WCSU because of the great education program, as well as the WestConn Softball program,” Smith says.

Smith says she decided to major in Elementary Education because “I have always looked up to my mom, who is a teacher. I minored in Spanish because I would like to get my Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language.”

Another role model, who Smith found on campus, was WestConn Softball Coach Heather Stone. “Coach Stone has become a huge mentor to me over the past four years, both on and off the softball field. She helped me balance teaching and softball, and has given me the support that made it possible to play these past four years,” Smith says.

Asked what she will remember most about her WCSU experience, Smith says, “Definitely winning the LEC Championship my freshman year.”

After graduation, Smith says, “I am searching for a teaching job in this area, and plan on getting my Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language.”

Her advice to new students entering WCSU is: “Get involved in as much as you can, because college is what you make of it.”