������Ƶ

Jessica Owens ‘21, a ������Ƶ alumna and current kindergarten teacher at Rocky Creek Elementary in Lexington, S.C., recently had the honor of attending South Carolina’s State of the State address as a guest of Governor Henry McMaster. Invited to sit alongside First Lady Peggy McMaster, Owens was recognized for her dedication to education and her impactful role as a teacher. Her journey to this moment highlights not only her personal achievements but also the profound influence ������Ƶ has had on her career.

A Quick Turnaround to Recognition

Jessica’s path to the State of the State address was both unexpected and inspiring. Initially hesitant when approached by her ������Ƶ Division of Education advisor, Jenny Johansson, Jessica admitted her natural shyness made her reluctant to embrace the spotlight. However, with encouragement, she embraced the opportunity. After providing a brief account of her teaching philosophy and her views on the importance of teacher support, Jessica was invited to the event.

Reflecting on the experience, Jessica shared, “It was an incredible honor to represent not only my school but also teachers across the state. It’s rare for our field to receive recognition, so I felt a deep sense of pride in highlighting the incredible work educators do every day.”

The ������Ƶ Connection

Jessica credits much of her success to her time at ������Ƶ. As a working professional seeking to complete her degree, she needed a program that offered flexibility. ������Ƶ’s unique blend of evening classes, online options, and a curriculum tailored to early childhood education provided the perfect fit.

“The program’s structure allowed me to work full-time while pursuing my passion for teaching,” Jessica explained. “������Ƶ exposed me to diverse classroom environments and broadened my understanding of the education system. That variety gave me the confidence to approach my own classroom with an open mind and innovative ideas.”

One of Jessica’s most cherished mentors was her advisor, Jenny Johansson, Director of Teacher Education at ������Ƶ. “Jenny was a constant source of support during challenging times. Balancing work and school was overwhelming, but her encouragement kept me going. Without her, I might not have made it through.”

Shaping Young Minds

Jessica’s passion for teaching stems from her love for children and her belief in the power of education to transform lives. While she initially considered teaching high school English, her experience in a kindergarten classroom revealed her true calling. “Teaching young children how to read from the ground up is incredibly rewarding. I want to be the kind of teacher that my students look forward to seeing every day—just like the teachers who inspired me.”

Looking Ahead

Jessica is optimistic about the future of education in South Carolina, emphasizing the importance of teacher support and collaboration. “If we take care of teachers, they’ll take care of the kids. Strong partnerships between administrators, teachers, and parents are vital to creating an environment where everyone thrives.”

Gratitude for ������Ƶ

As Jessica reflected on her journey, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to ������Ƶ for nominating her for this opportunity. “I’m so thankful for everything ������Ƶ has done for me. Being chosen to represent the school and the teaching profession is truly special.”

Jessica Owens exemplifies the values of ������Ƶ: resilience, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference. Her story serves as an inspiration to educators and students alike.