Anna Wellman

“Over time, I developed a love for seeing the change I can make [in the classroom], even if it’s just one person.”

-Anna Wellman

Anna Wellman plans to become an elementary or middle school education teacher. When she has spare time, Anna likes to listen to podcasts, go to Iowa State sporting events, and hang out with friends.

Anna Wellman discovers passion for teaching through undecided major

Anna Wellman has gone from playing school as a child to preparing for her career as an educator. Anna has found herself on a career path that brings out her caring personality and allows her to help young students.

Anna is now a senior in elementary education, who is confident in her major, but college started out a bit different for her.

Anna came to Iowa State University her freshman year without an idea of what she wanted to do. She enrolled as an open option student and took a wide range of classes. The idea of teaching intrigued her, so she took an education class to see what it would be like.

“I always thought I would be a good teacher. I took one class and I loved it,” Anna said.

During her junior year, Anna completed a practicum at St. Theresa Catholic School in Des Moines. She completed this over four weeks in a third grade classroom, where she created lesson plans that she led the class with. Anna also got to learn from an experienced educator who served as her mentor for the practicum.

“They can teach you at Iowa State, but it’s a completely different experience in the classroom,” Anna said. “Over time, I developed a love for seeing the change I can make, even if it’s just one person.”

Anna has not decided what grade she would prefer to teach, but she knows that she will be prepared to use her leadership skills in any elementary class. She uses those same leadership skills in her role as a College of Human Sciences student ambassador.

Anna’s favorite part of being a student ambassador is “practicing communicating with all different types of people,” by going to student events and fairs as a representative for the College of Human Sciences.

Through her experiences leading and teaching others, Anna has grown as a student and professional. By opening herself to all options as an undecided major, Anna was able to find her passion for the educational development of students.