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Jayden Teschner, an early childhood education major in the College of Education at �¼���toto������� University, is heading into her third year with a sense of gratitude and purpose, thanks to the Aspiring Teacher Scholarship, contributed as a part of NKU’s scholarship initiative, EXCELerate. Jayden’s NKU story began like many others with a visit to the campus, which immediately felt like the perfect fit for her. “When I saw NKU for the first time, it seemed like the perfect-sized campus — not too big or too small,” she recalls.

This initial impression proved true, as Jayden found herself in a welcoming environment where campus leaders were quick to assuage her initial nervousness. “The people at NKU are very welcoming,” says Jayden. “My professors and advisors have always been very helpful, which made me feel more comfortable on campus.”

After embracing the newness of her surroundings at NKU, Jayden describes her experience on campus as positive. “I would describe NKU as positive because the environment supports positivity through meeting new people and gaining new knowledge while preparing for your career,” says Jayden.

The choice to major in early childhood education was not just a career decision but a reflection of Jayden’s deep-seated passion for working with children. “I chose education as my major because I love working with kids, and I know I want to build a career that focuses on helping them,” she explains.

As an honors student, Jayden appreciates the variety of elective courses and the flexible pathways available to complete credit hours. This involvement has shaped her aspirations, giving her a broader perspective on her future career. “The curriculum at NKU has been helpful,” she says. “I wasn’t expecting some of my classes to inspire me the way they have, encouraging me to put more into my future career in ways I didn’t expect.”

The financial support Jayden received through scholarships, particularly the Aspiring Teacher Scholarship, has been instrumental in her educational journey. “As a college student, paying your way through is hard — so scholarships and financial aid have really made a huge difference,” Jayden shares about the relief she felt when financing her education, allowing her to focus more on her studies and career goals. “It’s a great thing that this assistance can help students achieve their dreams and their desired careers,” Jayden adds.

Jayden is deeply appreciative of the donors who make such scholarships possible. “I am so thankful that donors are willing to share their funds to support college students,” says Jayden. “It’s so cool that they give back to their communities and support others.”

Jayden Teschner’s story shows the incredible impact of donor-funded scholarships. The Aspiring Teacher Scholarship has enabled her to pursue her passion for education, equipping her with the knowledge and skills she needs to make a significant impact on the lives of young children. As she continues her journey at NKU, Jayden looks forward to a future where she can give back to the community that has supported her so generously.