Our ALUMNI

Began NEXT in 2022 (Cohort 3) 

I am a white mom of two grown white/South Asian sons.  As a parent and an educator I know our cultures and identities sit at the heart of learning, knowledge creation and building shared understanding between people.  I work with adults supporting literacy skills and English language learning and’ as a nature educator with children and adults.

Where are you now? Americorps year with Washtenaw Literacy

Sydney is a 2023 alumni who enjoys gaming, reading, writing, yoga, and mindfulness. She believes that we are all life-long learners and that knowledge is the greatest power we possess. “Kindness is free.”

Where are you now? -Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Began NEXT in 2020 (Cohort 1)

My name is Abel Gonzalez. I’m the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree. I teach English, and love sharing my passion for writing and storytelling. I hope to find the right school and classroom to share that passion.

Where are you now? Preparing for a big life-changing move to Kalamazoo with my partner.

I am a current Social Studies secondary education educator. I am an immigrant and first gen student. I am passionate about connecting students identities and communities with experiences in classroom.

Where are you now? -Teaching at Jackson High School

Began NEXT in 2020 (Cohort 1)

Vincent McKeehan is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies and is beginning his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He enjoys making people smile and values helping others through listening and learning. Vincent credits NEXT Scholars with introducing him to a supportive community and helping him embrace his authentic self. He is grateful for the encouragement and inspiration he has received from the program.

Former COE Teaching major turned History Major; Graduated with their bachelors in April 2024. Now they want to work up to a career in educational leadership and/or multimodal, beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities, but keep it in the realm of History. (This is the power of researching modern learning trends for a history capstone paper!) Semi-professional SEMIS and Living-History Museum fan.

Where are you now? – Taking a break from college to scheme through big dreams and hopefully cut my student debt!

Sarah Gene Shafi is an Honors graduate from Eastern Michigan University with dual certifications in K-12 visual art education and K-12 Spanish education. Her research interests include educational statistics, museum education, and cultural exchange programs. As a teacher she is passionate about multicultural education and arts advocacy.

People become teachers for one of two reasons: 1) to continue the legacy of a teacher that inspired them or 2) to become the type of teacher you needed when you were a student. I knew that the NEXT program would help me achieve #2 in the most meaningful way.

My name is Aisha Tahir and I am a secondary Ed – English teacher. As an educator, I deeply believe in an equitable, personal, and compassionate approach to education. Through relationship building, games, and student choice, we have the power to be the teachers we needed when we were younger.

Where are you now? – In grad school!