When Thomas Nguyen, a sophomore middle grades English language arts and social studies education major, attended the NC State College of Education’s Scholarship Banquet last spring, he saw it as an exciting new opportunity. 
Not only was it a chance to speak with the donors who make scholarships possible, but it was also an occasion for him to create new connections with current teachers, school administrators and fellow students.
“I met educators of all levels,” Nguyen said. “These connections are valuable as I begin my teaching journey, allowing me to learn from experienced educators while establishing professional relationships.”
Nguyen is the recipient of the Carl J. Dolce Scholarship, which he uses to help cover expenses such as tuition, books and other needed materials.
“The scholarship really means a lot to me,” Nguyen said. “It made me feel like I can accomplish things I’ve never accomplished before.”
Nguyen’s goal is to become a social studies teacher, and he said attending the banquet also connected him with a new opportunity to work with students.
That evening, he met Josh Webb, a Transformational Scholar and fellow middle grades English language arts and social studies education major, who encouraged him to apply for a position with the YMCA. 
Nguyen did so, and now he is able to support students through the YMCA afterschool program at A.B. Combs Elementary School in Raleigh as well as at Camp Blazing Trails, a summer camp with an emphasis on the outdoors.
“It’s just a really fun experience,” Nguyen said. 
Nguyen hopes to use the experiences he is gaining through the College of Education and the YMCA to be an engaging educator when he enters the classroom. 
“I want to be a teacher who makes the curriculum fun for them,” Nguyen said. “I want to be able to help the future generation know that school is a great place, and I want to help them find opportunities for themselves.” 
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North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Read full text

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