Alicia Bowers
My name is Alicia Bowers, and I began the MAT in the February 2010 Cohort. I was born and raised in Redmond, Washington, but moved to Chicago, IL about 3 months ago to pursue my career in education. I love living in this big city where I feel like there are endless opportunities. Living in downtown Chicago, I have the luxury of enjoying shopping, Lake Michigan, the many festivals that the neighborhoods of Chicago have to offer, and dining at the many restaurants. During my free time I also nanny for a wonderful family near my home. I care for a 20 month old boy and 3 month old girl! I love every minute of it.
I received my B.S. in Dietetics/Nutrition from Seattle Pacific University in 2007. Shortly after graduation I worked as a nutrition educator at a low-income school in Auburn, WA. I taught nutrition related lessons in K-6 grade classrooms. The kids had the opportunity to grow their own herbs, prepare easy and delicious snacks and learn about healthy eating and lifestyles. As I saw the difference I was making in the children’s lives, I knew that I wanted to continue contributing to the success of these young ones.
It wasn’t until I found the MAT@USC that I knew my dream could come true. I was attracted to the program because of its emphasis on ethnically diverse students in urban schools. After researching more about the courses and structure, I knew that this was my best chance to obtain a solid and respectable education from knowledgeable professors, and experience an innovative curriculum that combines highly interactive online learning with field-based experience.
Everything about the program has been wonderful! I look forward the remainder of my program and teaching primary elementary education in the near future!
