Jillian Tyburski
MEdT Dual Hawkins' Scholar
"I want more than anything to be an advocate to fill gaps that students may face on a daily basis."
Hometown
Haleiwa, HI.
Department
Special Education
Related Degrees
- Master of Education in Teaching (MEdT)
Why did you choose to become a teacher, in general?
I chose to become a teacher to give back to future generations of our Earth and community.
I think now more than ever, it is difficult to be a kid and to grow up. There are so many externals faced through technology, and the act of learning and perservering has been lost.
In Hawai’is Aloha Spirit Law, Ahonui means patience to be expressed with perseverance. When thinking about why I want to be a teacher, I want to be a role model to our youth of how to embody kindness, patience, perseverance, hardwork, and care.
Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?
I chose to become licensed in special education after working with the Clemson Life program in my undergraduate studies. The ClemsonLife program “offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration. The program is designed for students who desire a post-secondary experience on a college campus. Our program incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment and social/leisure skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults.” During my experience volunteering with this program I initiated two of the first individuals with exceptionalities to sororities on campus. Clemson is still doing this annually, 6 years later. Post grad I was working as a freelance artist and web designer. While reflecting upon my work, I started to recognized that I was not feeling fulfilled through my work. I wanted to make a difference. Upon further reflection, I thought about the Clemson Life program and the abundant rays of sunshine that each student embodies while walking across campus. In that moment I knew I wanted to work in special education.
Now, after 3 semesters of a masters in education, I see the flaws in the system, particularly in special education, and I want more than anything to be an advocate to fill gaps that students may face on a daily basis. I have been working as a special education teacher for 2.5 semesters (ehire) and absolutely love my job and my students. I want the best for each and every one of them, and I will do everything in my power to help them achieve their goals.