Josephine Leu

2014 Gilman Scholar

Hometown

San Ramon, CA

Major

Elementary Education

College

College of Education

 

I have learned and experienced many things in my college classes at Purdue that have aided me to become the best teacher that I can be. But to be in education I have to understand that it’s a growing and changing field, so as an educator, I have to grow and change as well. Receiving the Gilman scholarship gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in my passion for teaching and becoming a well-rounded educator. It will also broaden my views by showing me a distinct culture and the people involved.

 

The courses they offer at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Denmark cater towards extending my knowledge of the different people, cultures, and pedagogy of education. The two programs that appealed to me most are “Positive Psychology” and “Child Development: Theory and Development.” These programs, although different from one another, are both very relatable to my major. In “Positive Psychology,” I will be given the opportunity to investigate well-being in Denmark and how emotions relate to physical and mental health. This is an important concept to understand because as an educator. I want to explore ways that will keep my students motivated to learn in order for them to gain a positive learning experience every day. The “Child Development’ program clearly compares and contrasts classroom instruction and other educational aspects of Denmark and the United States. The field of education is always about improving and changing; it is important to have future teachers – like the one I want to become – who are aware of different types of educational outreach and classroom management skills.