Resilience Redefined
Resilience Redefined
The high school class of 2020 faced unparalleled challenges as its final months were abruptly disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the sudden shift to online learning and the cancellation of traditional graduation ceremonies, these resilient students adapted and persevered. Now, four years later, a remarkable group of these determined individuals is celebrating a new milestone: graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with degrees from the College of Education. Their journey is a testament to their unwavering spirit and commitment to overcoming adversity.
Bailey Leitner
Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa
Degree: Elementary education
Then COVID happened…
I distinctly remember my last class period in March that year. I was taking AP classes, and it was the last day before spring break. Many of my teachers that day gave us homework to complete over the break, but they also gave “just in case” homework…. A lot of people were making jokes about it because we never could have imagined what would happen in the weeks to come. My district later came out that we were done, and our senior year was completed.
Throughout high school I worked at Fareway. This continued through COVID. I thought that I might as well work since there was nothing else to do. This was a positive since I was able to save money for college.
Favorite experiences at UNI?
My favorite experience includes being a part of the residence life community. Especially when COVID was the major concern, it was nice to interact with the people who were living near me at the dorm’s activity hall’s events.
Another experience I really enjoyed was being a part of Cat Crew. We helped with Welcome Week events and helped freshmen find their way around campus and meet new people. This was a great experience for me because even though I missed out on a lot of those activities my freshman year, I was able to have a second chance and experience it, even if it was at the end of my time in college.
What’s next?
I have been substitute teaching back in my hometown. I have really enjoyed this, and it has taught me a lot about different classroom management and teaching styles. I am excited to implement those strategies in a classroom of my own.
What are you most proud of from the past four years?
Despite COVID hardships, I am most proud of my attitude and mental health. It would have been so easy to stay in my dorm room all day and isolate myself from the world. Instead, I pushed myself to be involved and surrounded myself with friends and things to do.
Our students showed resilience! They demonstrated flexibility and perseverance adjusting to remote learning, navigating ways to stay connected to their peers, and growing their voice to advocate for their well-being and for those around them.”
Brooke Berns
Hometown: Decorah, Iowa
Degree: Early childhood education
Then COVID happened…
My experience having COVID disrupt my senior year was gut-wrenching. The most challenging part was knowing that my teachers and coaches were doing their best to support us but couldn’t teach us as effectively without being in person. I could tell they were frustrated and discouraged, too. The best part of my COVID experience was spending extra time with my family. I will always treasure going on adventures with my brothers.
Why did you choose your major at UNI?
I chose early childhood education because of my love for children. Their joy and curiosity are infectious. I wanted to help guide their exploration of the world around them. I’m excited to teach preschool and special education at Hudson Community School District.
What are you most proud of from the past four years?
I am proud of my resilience and perseverance toward my degree these last four years. There were many times when I felt as though I didn’t have clear answers, a sure path, or a defined community. My goal of being a teacher pushed me to continue even when it was tough.
What I have noticed most over the past four years is the way that students have pulled together and supported each other in response to shared adversity. It’s been really great to see the kindness, creativity, and resilience with which our students have navigated such a challenging college experience.”
Jaydon Gansen
Hometown: Belmond, Iowa
Degree: Recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership
Then COVID happened…
I was meant to direct a one-act play for my school, which was going to be super fun. But a week before our first rehearsal, the COVID lockdown started. As much as we tried to make it work, we ended up never having a rehearsal or performance. Online school was a bit of a joke, and that wasn’t anybody’s fault. It was just a terrible situation.
Favorite experiences at UNI?
Almost all my favorite experiences at UNI have come from the outdoor trips I participated in or led. UNI Outdoors is what got me interested in RTNL. Leading those trips with friends or even people I just met was such an incredible learning experience for me as a leader and person. Once the trips moved to the College of Education and became Outdoor Adventures, I tried to help build the program up so other students could come into it like I did and discover a love for the outdoors.
What’s next?
I began a graduate assistantship with the College of Education’s Outdoor Adventure Trips and will continue to help grow the program and encourage my fellow coordinators to become the best leaders they can be. Whether that’s teaching hard skills like fire starting or even just supporting them in their personal lives, I want all our coordinators to become their best selves.
Your biggest takeaway from the past four years?
No matter what the circumstance, anything is possible with a good support system. Not only did my family support me, but I had great faculty to lean on during my time at UNI and incredible friends as well. Coming into RTNL, I knew nobody, but I graduated with a huge network of people I hope to keep in contact with for years to come.
