Rachel Oliver is a graduate of Howard High School in Ellicott City, Maryland. She is a member of Shippensburg University’s class of 2020 with dual majors in early education and special education.

Like many teacher education students at Ship, Oliver was drawn to the university’s rich history of preparing educators and its unique lab school.

“My major is amazing. The professors are so helpful and keep us updated on openings in different school districts. They also use their real world experience to teach us skills that we will actually learn,” Oliver said. “Also, having a new placement every semester has given me so much experience in the classroom and working with different teachers and students of all ages and skill levels.”

Oliver’s time at Ship has resulted in involvement with the education honors society, the Special Education Club and Phi Sigma Sigma. She also took on jobs with HIRE ME, the Project Center and as a student worker in the Special Education Department.

“Not only have I made forever relationships with my peers, but also with my bosses and my professors. There are so many opportunities on campus that students can take advantage of that will help prepare them for their career field. Everyone is so welcoming.”

Read more stories from the Class of 2020.