Sierra Searcy plans to major in elementary education. The 2020 Hagerstown High School graduate will be a freshman this fall.

“I have always loved watching kids learn and grow,” Searcy said.

Sierra Searcy of Centerville, Indiana, will major in elementary education. She is part of this year’s incoming freshmen class.

Over the past two years Searcy’s interest in teaching has grown as she worked at a daycare/preschool, providing an opportunity to learn hands-on through helping in the classroom.

“I genuinely believe teaching is one of the most important jobs today,” Searcy said. “Teachers shape our children’s futures. You can still remember who your second grade teacher was and why they are memorable. Being a shining light in a child’s life is so incredibly important.”

In addition to working at the daycare, Searcy was active while in high school. She was a member of the varsity golf team, as well as National FFA Organization (FFA), Business Professionals of America (BPA), and PUSH.

Searcy chose IU East because it is close to home and she can continue to work and gain experience for her future career. She is also friends with IU East students who are majoring in elementary education. “They have really enjoyed it,” Searcy said.

After completing her degree, Searcy hopes to have a career that doesn’t feel like work.

“No matter what happens, I want to be sure I am happy,” Searcy said. “For right now, I see myself teaching the younger elementary school age, from kindergarten through second grade. I would love to teach our upcoming generations and have a hand in our futures.”

While this may not be the traditional start for an incoming freshmen class, there are opportunities for the Class of 2024 to network and meet their peers. This includes the virtual campus visits and orientations, Extreme Summer Jumpstart, and First-Year Convocation. This week, August 17-21, IU East will also host open houses. The First-Year

Open House events provide incoming freshmen with an opportunity to walk their schedules, talk in person with an academic advisor, financial aid counselors, the Office of Student Success and current students. Attending is for freshmen only and by reservation.

“I am looking forward to meeting new people who have similar interests as me and just expanding my horizons and learning more,” Searcy said. “I am very excited to see what my future holds at IU East. I know how much of a tremendous impact it has had on countless people in my life and I hope it does the same for me.”