Stories

Notre Dame has taught me that teaching English learners is not only about knowing pedagogy and theory, but also about approaching students - no matter their background - with compassion and empathy…I truly believe that the TESOL program has equipped me with invaluable tools and knowledge that will help me serve my future students as best as I can…I am excited to utilize all that I learned at NDMU to help English learners realize and reach their full potential. What’s Next for Jee: Wolfe Street Academy, Baltimore City Public Schools, ESOL Teacher

Molly Wolanski ’18, a history major/communication arts minor, is leading a technological retro-revolution, letting the student population know that radio silence is officially over for Notre Dame of Maryland University.
As the student head of the reinstated station, Wolanski believes “that people who are passionate about radio need to get involved and support their local independent stations. At Notre Dame, anyone can create a show about anything and we love to see the creativity people come up with.”​

Jean Jun was lucky enough to be accepted into the Disney College Program as an intern, which is no easy feat. During her time, some of the most memorable experiences for Jun were engaging with the guests and helping them create life-long memories. “I’m the Cast Member and I have the power to create magical moments for others. There was nothing better than seeing kids with the biggest smiles and parents with equally big smiles because they were both genuinely happy to be with each other.” ​

Micah Castelo and Lorelie Elaine Soriano submitted one of the 120 winning projects under the Davis Projects for Peace foundation. They have been awarded $10,000 each for the construction of the first official library of the Caibiran Central School in the city of Caibiran located in the eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. “From the start,” Castelo says “we knew that we wanted to work on a project in the Philippines because we are both Filipina.” Castelo didn’t have to reach very far to find motivation, “when I was still in the Philippines, my parents enrolled me in a private school because the public schools did not have enough resources to ensure each child succeeds. I see this award as a privilege that I have been granted. I want to use this privilege to help those children in need…They deserve this just as much as anyone else.”

NDMU has prepared me for the next step by offering clinical experience in amazing hospitals…It’s given me real life experience caring for patients. What’s Next for Madalyn: Children’s Health Care of Atlanta Pediatric Emergency Department – Nurse Residency

Kylie came to the spring Career Fair prepared with high hopes of making a connection with potential employers, but didn't know just how big of an impact this one event would have. As a result of her networking that day, she landed an analyst position with the U.S. Department of Defense and she credits her success to her NDMU education. "The liberal arts foundation NDMU provides helped me develop as a whole person as well as an academic. It instilled a strong work ethic in me and I was prepared to do a lot of writing." Kylie also notes the close relationships with faculty and the mentoring she received during her four years as an important part of her career development.

Governor Larry Hogan appointed Jenell to the Maryland Board of Nursing as the Registered Nurse-At-Large member. She began her term in February 2018 and will serve for four years by bringing a firsthand perspective of the issues and trends impacting nursing care in Maryland. Jenell has been a registered nurse for five years and works at Johns Hopkins Bayview.

I feel fortunate to now be teaching at the same school where I interned. The cohort experience provides an invaluable, built-in support-system of faculty and classmates. The structure of the GEI program met all of my expectations and I graduated feeling confident and well-prepared to begin my career in teaching.

Overall, I feel extremely prepared to be a full time teacher next year. The program is exactly what I wanted: fast paced, a lot of time in the classroom, and rigorous classes. Getting a masters in 10 months can be difficult, but worth the stress!

Zakk is one of 50 recipients from hundreds of nominees for Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore,” issue. “This distinction means so much to me, it is hard to express,” says Arciaga. “It is such an amazing feeling to be recognized by your peers and nominated for just doing what you do.”​