Get to know College of Education Student Ambassador Nathan Ratalsky in this student highlight!

What led you to Oregon State University?

I was drawn to Oregon State University for a few reasons! First, I really liked its education program. Two degrees for a five year plan? Sign me up! The College’s history and beautiful campus was also a big selling point for me right out of high school. And finally, I wanted to stay in Oregon through my college experience. I’ve lived here most of my life and I really enjoy the amazing nature this state has to offer. OSU is nestled between scenic farmlands, old-growth forests, and the beach is only an hour’s drive away. These were all pretty big selling points for me!

What is your major or field of study and why did you choose it?

I’m studying history and secondary education, and pursuing a minor in Spanish.  I’ve wanted to teach for as long as I can remember. History, while not always my strongest academic subject, was always interesting to me too. When I came to OSU, I decided that I’d go for a teaching degree, which was always the plan, and that I’d push myself to learn more about history and how to be a historian. Looking back on it now, that was probably not the smartest decision, but I’m glad I made it! It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with the history department here, and now that I’m in my student teaching year, I’m able to apply the skills I’ve learned in my lessons.

If you do research, what kind of research do you do?

I don’t really do any research anymore. My final history class was last year, and since then I’ve been focusing heavily on student teaching. I guess, the research I’m doing right now, if you can call it that, has just been learning how I want to teach in the future and figuring out what kind of teacher I want to be.  This isn’t very academic, I know, but I’ve really enjoyed it! It’s extremely satisfying to be able to stand in front of a classroom and use what I’ve learned throughout my college career to achieve my long-held goal of becoming a teacher.

What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

Outside of school, I work as a Peer Tutor/Advisor for the College of Education. I work with students who are preparing for their content area exams, and help new students figure out what path they’d like to take with their studies. Aside from that, I’m a new member of OSU’s Kendo Club!

What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?

In my free time, I like to play music, read, box, and hang out with friends!

What advice would you give to a future College of Education student?

Meet with your advisors at least once a term, for sure.  I’ve seen plenty of students ignore meeting with their advisors early on, I was one of them. I got lucky and my schedule ended up working out, but there are many students who don’t take advantage of the help advisors provide and it ends up biting them in the butt later on. College advisors know how to get you through your college career efficiently; they’re there to use that knowledge to help you plan your classes so you can graduate as quickly as possible. Nobody wants to have to pay for a whole extra year of tuition just because they were cocky and scheduled their classes poorly in their freshman or sophomore year! Use the resources you’re paying for!

Andrea De Lei is a College of Education student working toward her Master of Education (EdM) in the Adult and Higher Education Program. Get to know her in this student feature!

What led you to Oregon State University?

Family, job, school. In 2015, I moved to Corvallis with my family when my spouse took a job at OSU. Shortly after, I started working at OSU in 2018 with Rec Sports. Then in 2020, I decided to pursue my master’s degree at OSU.

What is your major/field of study and why did you choose it?

Master of Education (EdM) in Adult and Higher Education. After attending the AHE informational session to understand this program better, I was very interested in the instructional design components integrated throughout the AHE program. Additionally, I liked that this program was completely online through one of the top online programs, Ecampus. The program fits nicely with my busy lifestyle.

What year are you in school?

Second-year, anticipated graduation date June 2022.

What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

I’m currently working at OSU’s Recreational Sports as the acting Marketing and Events Coordinator. This is a short-term interim role, my previous role was the Marketing and Events Assistant. In a nutshell, I do all things digital content, including social media, facility and event service management, and internal facility scheduling and program planning.

What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?

I like to spend time with family and friends. Anything in a fun social setting, really. I play a lot of soccer, indoor and outdoor. I like to play pretty much any sport, golfing, soccer, basketball, ultimate. As well as go on short hikes in the spring/summer.

What advice would you give to a future College of Education student?

Coming from an Ecampus/online learning experience, don’t be nervous about reaching out to your peers or professors for help or clarification. Much great advice I saw, gave or received came from a quick group text/chat/email between my classmates when someone was unsure, wanted feedback, or need inspiration.

Phillip Mitchell is a doctoral candidate in Leadership in Higher Education, offered through the Adult and Higher Education Program. Get to know him in this student feature!

What led you to Oregon State University?

I was looking for a legitimate doctoral program which would allow me to achieve my academic goals while working full time. I was very happy to learn of the program offered by Adult and Higher Education in the College of Education. It is well-respected and offered the opportunities of a local program while being geared for the working professional.

What is your field of study and why did you choose it?

Adult and Higher Education. I chose this program primarily because it provided education in all areas of higher education that are needed for a successful, effective career. I am working in the field but relatively new to it and I wanted to accelerate my understanding so I could make a greater contribution.

What kind of research do you do?

I plan to begin my dissertation research soon. It will be a narrative inquiry into the experiences of a group of medical students. These students are participating in a certain co-curricular program and I want to better understand how their experiences shape their perspectives and their identities.

What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

I work full-time administering a program at a health sciences university. I also had the privilege and pleasure to develop and teach a course in Leadership in Education for the CoEd education minor during the recent Fall term. My wife and I bought a 43-year-old home last summer and are enjoying getting it some needed TLC and renovation.

What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?

I like the performing arts, especially movies and theater. With the pandemic we haven’t done much of that recently. We enjoy state park camping and we go for long weekends several times a season. Also, I own a 1969 Rambler that I am slowly fixing up.

What advice would you give to a future College of Education student?

Enjoy the Journey.