Nazareth College is a super cool place full of super cool people who go on to do super cool things after they graduate. This winter, we’re featuring some of our alumni talking about what they’re doing out there in the real world as well as reflecting on their time here at Naz. Our next profile features Emily Labenski.
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Inclusive Education
Hometown: Honeoye Falls, NY
Grad Year: 2008 UG, 2010 G (Masters degree in Literacy Education)
What are you doing now?
Currently, I am teaching reading (literacy specialist) at Barker Road Middle School in Pittsford, NY.
In what ways did your time at Naz prepare you for your life’s work?
From the beginning, Nazareth provided a wide array of classes to fulfill the liberal arts education and spark interest in areas outside my major. I was fascinated learning about the history of music, philosophy, and the origin of language. I was inspired to study abroad and learn about different cultures to further help me teach in the classroom. Student teaching in Wales was an unforgettable experience, learning a bit of Welsh and teaching all subject areas.
How did your experiences at Naz spark your passion?
As a young learner, I was always interested in learning and wanted to help others. This carried into my time at Nazareth through the field work, practicum, and student teaching experiences in various schools and the on-campus Reading Clinic.
How has your life changed since graduation?
Since graduating from Nazareth in 2008, I have been learning to balance work and play. I feel lucky to work in the field of education, constantly learning more about myself in the process of helping students and colleagues. Embracing my hobbies of running and reading have allowed me to stay grounded in my free-time.
What’s some advice you have for incoming freshman and current students about making the most of this time in their life?
Join clubs. Live on campus to build lifelong friendships. Build connections with professors – they are filled with a wealth of knowledge to help you at Naz and beyond. Study abroad for a few weeks, a semester, or a year – you won’t regret it!
Read more of our alumni series here: Yomayra Guerrero ’16 Communication and Media, Karisa Langdon ’16 Physical Therapy, Taylor Wroblewski ’16 Communication and Media, Ben Stracuzzi ’13 Environmental Science
And be sure to check out our series from last year featuring some of our incredible grads from the class of 2015.