On Friday, May 14th, the first MAT@USC cohort participated in the 2010 Master’s Commencement Ceremony. This week we’ll be showcasing some of these remarkable graduates.
Lauren Gipe
Location: Laguna Niguel, California
As a native of Southern California her entire life, Lauren is one of four Trojans siblings. For Lauren, it has been an honor to be a member of the inaugural class in the MAT@USC Graduate Program at the Rossier School of Education. She grew up in Laguna Niguel California, and graduated from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. Upon graduation, Lauren was ecstatic to finally become a student at the University of Southern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at USC in 2008 with a BA in Social Sciences. A majority of her free time is spent with her sisters, whether it be working out, attending concerts, sporting events, or just lounging watching a good movie together. As a college student living on her own, Lauren has developed a love for cooking, with the Food Network being her favorite TV network. From a serenity stand point and in her very little down time, she has been fortunate enough to have access to the beach 24/7. Listening to the sounds of the waves crashing while reading a riveting novel has been her safe haven while completing the MAT@USC Program.
Q&A
Why did you want to become a teacher
I have had a great role model in my mother who is the eldest of eight children. My large extended family is comprised of 23 cousins, ranging from 6 months to 17 years of age. That said, I thoroughly enjoy working and interacting with children and young adults, and the opportunity to impact the future everyday is both exciting and exhilarating. I realized my love for children at every family function.
Why did you choose the MAT@USC?
In the simplest sense, the present opportunity to attend the University of Southern California and complete my graduate studies at the Rossier School of Education were challenging, academically stimulating and rewarding. The innovative flexibility that the MAT@USC Program had to offer provided me with the maximum opportunity to achieve my short term and long term goals.
What is the most valuable learning experience you are taking away from the program?
From my perspective, it is the ability to educate students that are a direct result of the socioeconomic factors that are beyond their control. The opportunity to teach these students is rewarding and fulfilling due to the fact that they genuinely appreciate the opportunity to grow academically in a structure environment.
What are your future teaching plans?
After completing my student teaching in both a first and fourth grade classrooms, I am confident that based on my academic enthusiasm and exuberance, I will have the most positive impact on these young students. I look forward to the opportunity of teaching in my own class one day in the near future. The responsibility associated with touching the future everyday in teaching these young students is humbling and exciting.
