KELSIE ROBERTS, CLASS OF 2009
Kelsie Roberts graduated from University High School in 2009 and Butler University in 2013. She is currently teaching in Spain. Below Kelsie answers a few questions about her college experience and how University prepared her for life at Butler and beyond.
What have you been up to since leaving University High School?
After graduating from University in 2009, I attended Butler University. I got very involved on campus, joining many clubs and community service initiatives. I even held leadership positions for my sorority — Kappa Kappa Gamma. In 2013, I graduated from Butler with two degrees — Elementary Education (with a minor in Special Education) and Spanish.
Because of the demanding curriculum of a double major, I didn’t have time to study abroad in college and really practice my Spanish in an authentic environment. In 2014, I decided that was something I wanted to pursue, and I moved to Madrid, Spain. I did a year-long master’s degree program at a university there (Franklin Institute — University of Alcala). Part of the master’s program was a practicum at a local school. So I spent Monday through Thursday teaching English in a bilingual school, and Fridays were designated for class at the university. I graduated in June 2015 from that program with a master’s in Multicultural and Bilingual Education.
I was lucky to have loved my practicum school. After completing the master’s program, my school asked me to return for the following academic year. So this year I am continuing at Colegio Los Angeles teaching English. I work with preschool, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. My youngest students are three years old, and my oldest students are seven years old. It’s definitely challenging but rewarding. The young ones have a very limited English level, but I see their improvement every day. It was an adjustment learning how to teach in the Spanish school system, but I think I have the hang of it now. The other teachers I work with have been great in making me feel welcome these past two years. I have become very close with some of them. One friend surprised me with a big Thanksgiving dinner with her family! My Spanish has also improved a lot while being here, although there is always room for more improvement.
In June, I plan on returning to the States to find a job in a school — hopefully as an ESL teacher. I don’t know if it’ll be in Indiana or another state; I guess it’ll be wherever the wind blows me! Now that I’ve survived (and loved) living in a foreign country, I feel like I could really move anywhere! While I’ll be very sad to leave Spain, I am excited to start this next chapter.
How do you feel UHS best prepared you for college?
University’s rigorous academic curriculum was a true blessing in my transition to college. Attending college is a transition for everyone — living independently, taking responsibility for your education and actions, and meeting new people. I was lucky to already have the ability to take responsibility for my own education. Because of my time at University, I was comfortable going to professors at Butler with questions. I was an active participant in my classes and was able to thrive academically because of the way University prepared me to do so.
Do you see that the core values you learned at UHS still apply to your life now? How?
To me, diversity has always been very important. An appreciation and tolerance for the diverse nature of the world can sometimes challenge your beliefs, but ultimately it makes you a better, more open and tolerant human — and the world could use more of those. I have always learned more by being open and accepting to the things that make us different than I could ever learn by being closed off and indifferent. While many think it’s our similarities that unite us, I think it’s our acknowledgment and appreciation of our differences. We should celebrate diversity in our world, not fear it.
Please share your best UHS memory.
Here are a few of my favorite memories:
- The community service and internship (for January Term) I did at IPS School 54 and 88 hold some of my favorite memories. My experiences in these two schools shaped my future. They helped me decide to become a teacher.
- I scored the first goal in UHS girls soccer history (which surprised us all — even me!). And we ended up winning that game to Guerin 1-0.
- Above all else, all my mentoring sessions with LaMags (Alicia LaMagdeleine) hold special places in my heart. I was Alicia’s first-ever mentee, and I have never met a better teacher or mentor in my life. To this day, the biggest gift University gave me was Alicia as a mentor and now, a friend. To LaMags: If I can have even half the impact on my students that you have had on me, then I will have done my job. Thank you.
What has been the most valuable experience you have had since leaving University?
My most valuable experience since leaving University has been living in Spain for the past two years. I’ve learned so much about myself while living abroad. I encourage everyone who has an opportunity to travel to do so. And if you have the chance to truly immerse yourself in another culture, take it!
Check our Featured Alumni page often for profiles on University High School graduates like Kelsie.