“I know how important community building is after a year and a half of all-virtual classes—I think we all do—and I see this Council as a way to do that,” said Emma Garry ’23 (elementary education major), president of the School of Education Undergraduate Council. The SOEUGC was formed in the spring of 2022 and is a student-run organization meant to build community within the school; plan events to engage students professionally, socially, and mentally; promote the School to the AU student body; and connect students to faculty and leadership so they can advocate for their interests.

Garry, along with Vice President Brian Kramer ’23 (secondary education and political science major), Secretary Anaiyah Smith ’23 (elementary education major) and Finance Chair Qudsia Saeed ’24 (elementary education major), is working to get the word out for more students to become active. Garry was surprised to find that many SOE students interacted only within their cohort, so the goal of SOEUGC in the first year is to build a sense of community within the education student body.

Garry wants to leverage SOE’s smaller school size by hosting community events such as pizza with professors and PRAXIS study sessions. Her vision is for students to find friends who can share accomplishments and work through challenges together. “Having a small school filled with people who are so enthusiastic about helping others means that many SOE students have overwhelming schedules, so having this Council consist of individuals who are ready to make and inspire change is truly an accomplishment,” she said.

 “Many AU students don’t know that SOE exists and by having a Council who engages within and outside of SOE, we can make sure everyone knows that education majors exist. I am proud that our executive board is filled with dedicated, hardworking, and eager SOE students! The School of Education may be a smaller school but I believe that we are the students who make the biggest impact.”

To become active in SOEUC, check out the Instagram feed @soe.ugc, or email Garry at emma.garry@ausg.org.