“When I left Chicago for New York to attend St. John’s
University, I was uncertain about what lay ahead,” recalls Courtney
Curby, a senior in St. John’s School of Education. “But I have been
extremely happy with the experience and am confident that the next
phase in my life will be even more rewarding and successful.”
Like many students entering college for the first time, Courtney
was unsure of what she would do once she graduated. Then, during
her freshman year, Courtney made a decision that would change her
life forever, “When I first stepped on campus, I had no idea what
to study. All I knew was that I wanted to prove myself both as a
student and as a member of the women’s soccer team.”
Her love of reading and writing, strong morals and desire to help
others drew her to studying education. Courtney decided to pursue a
degree in
adolescent education so she could one day become an English
Language Arts teacher. “Being an education major exposes you to so
many different experiences and pushes you to challenge your beliefs
and strive to be a better person every day.”
Accepted to St. John’s s as a Presidential Scholar for her
remarkable academic achievement in high school, Courtney is
currently the Head Scholar of the prestigious
Dean’s Scholars Honor Society and considered one of the top
students in her undergraduate education program. She feels all of
these accomplishments will give her the confidence she needs to
empower others in the classroom.
“I want to be an example for my students and show them the value of
lifelong learning. I want to help them understand that what they
learn in school will be connected to so many other things in their
lives and that every opportunity can become a learning
experience.”
Courtney believes being on the women’s soccer team goes hand in
hand with the lessons she’s learned in the classroom. Learning how
to cope with adversity, work with a team and help others in times
of need are invaluable skills she has developed over the years as a
player, “Soccer for me truly models teaching. It forces you to
maximize your potential, pass on knowledge effectively, manage
individual and group emotions and define your overall role.”
“One of the things I love most about being a St. John’s student is
discovering who I really am and the type of person I want to
become. As I continue to pursue my degree in teaching and become
more exposed to the various aspects of education, I know that I am
being prepared for life-long success.”