Today Magazine Winter 2019 | Page 14

FROM STUDENT TO TEACHER By Kirsten Swanson M elissa Russo '18 always knew she wanted to be a teacher. In fact, she has proof. In first grade, her teacher asked the class to write down what they wanted to be when they grew up in their yearbook and Melissa was the only student that put down a “regular” job. “I was definitely the teacher’s pet, always helping the teacher in any way possible. Everyone else said they wanted to be a professional athlete or a football player but I always wanted to be a teacher - from day one,” Melissa said. When it came time to start looking at colleges, a strong education program was at the top of Melissa’s list. Not knowing much about Gwynedd Mercy University, she attended a Field Hockey Prospect Day to learn more. That’s where she met Professor Deb Schadler, EdD, who took the time to answer all of her questions and made her feel at home. 12 TODAY