水多多导航

When Kyla Kowinsky walks across the stage at 水多多导航 California鈥檚 fall commencement, she鈥檒l be celebrating more than a degree. She鈥檒l be marking the culmination of an ambitious, purpose-driven college journey 鈥� one that blended a passion for science, a calling to teach, and a commitment to leadership, all while graduating a semester early. 

Kowinsky, a native of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, is graduating with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in secondary education with a concentration in general science. She always knew she wanted to make a difference. Initially drawn to environmental science, she soon realized teaching offered a way to combine her interests in science and service. 

鈥淚 wanted to impact students鈥� lives and also help the environment,鈥� she said. 鈥淭eaching felt like the best way to bring those two passions together.鈥� 

Kowinsky chose 水多多导航 California for its strong education program and proximity to home. After touring campus, the decision felt immediate. 

鈥淚 applied, I toured, and I just knew 鈥� this is home,鈥� she said. 

Once on campus, Kowinsky immersed herself fully in the 水多多导航 experience. One of the most defining decisions she made was joining Sigma Kappa sorority in fall 2023 鈥� a choice she describes as transformative. 

鈥淛oining Sigma Kappa was one of the greatest decisions I鈥檝e ever made,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t truly changed my life.鈥� 

Through the organization, Kowinsky gained friendships, leadership experience and a deeper sense of connection across campus. She served as vice president of standards and values, vice president of academic excellence, risk management chair, and a regional chair 鈥� at one point holding four leadership roles simultaneously. She also attended a national Sigma Kappa convention in Boston, where she connected with peers from across the country and further developed her leadership skills. 

Academically, Kowinsky pushed herself from the start. She consistently carried heavy course loads 鈥� often 18 credits per semester 鈥� and last spring took 22 credits, making it possible to graduate early. 

鈥淚 realized about a year ago that graduating early was doable,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a lot, but it was worth it.鈥� 

That accelerated path allowed Kowinsky to complete her student teaching experience this fall at Mount Pleasant Area Junior High School, where she taught seventh-grade science. Unlike many student teachers who enter established classrooms in the spring, Kowinsky began just days into the school year. 

鈥淚 was there on the second day of school,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 got to help establish routines, design my own curriculum, and really build the classroom from the ground up.鈥� 

Her mentor teacher gave her the freedom to lead, and Kowinsky embraced the opportunity 鈥� creating lessons, running labs and forming strong connections with students. Saying goodbye at the end of the semester was difficult. 

鈥淚t was so hard leaving,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e had so many fun labs, and I loved watching the students grow.鈥� 

Kowinsky credits faculty mentorship as a key part of her success, particularly her advisor, Dr. Bill Hug, who went above and beyond to support her academic goals. When a required course wasn鈥檛 offered in the semester she needed it, he worked with her through individualized instruction and encouraged her to attend a national science teaching conference in Philadelphia. 

鈥淭hat experience was incredible,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 connected with science teachers from all over and really saw myself as part of the profession.鈥� 

As a young woman entering science education, Kowinsky found encouragement in seeing increasing representation in the field. 

鈥淵ou can do whatever you鈥檙e passionate about 鈥� and that鈥檚 something I want my students to believe, too.鈥� 

Following graduation, Kowinsky is already working as a substitute teacher through ESS in local school districts, including Mount Pleasant, while preparing for job fairs and full-time teaching opportunities in the spring. 

Reflecting on her 水多多导航 journey, Kowinsky says the experience prepared her not just for a career, but for a life of purpose. 

鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to lead, how to connect with people, and how to make a difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful for everything 水多多导航 gave me.鈥�