Senior prepares for future
Senior, Mallory Comerford, committed to Clemson University to pursue work with their LIFE program after realizing through her work with the Sycamore special ed department and TPA program who her passion is. “I will be in the Department of Education and majoring in Special Education. They have a very good school of education, specifically special ed that is nationally recognized,” Comerford said.
Q & A with senior Mallory Commerford
Q: Why did you decide to apply to Clemson?
I really wanted to go to a school in the south, mostly because it’s much warmer. Then I also knew I wanted to have a school where I could major in Special Education. So, I visited Clemson and loved it. I could totally see myself going there. I will say it also helped that they are the reigning NATIONAL CHAMPIONS for football.
Q: What specifics program will you be in and what attracted you to it?
I will be in the Department of Education and majoring in Special Education. They have a very good school of education, specifically special ed that is nationally recognized. Also, they have an incredible program, Clemson LIFE, for students with disabilities. When I went to visit one of the students said “If you think the football players are the stars of this campus your wrong, the Clemson LIFE students are the star” This was the environment I loved and wanted to be around.
Q: Do you plan to continue your athletic career?
I do not plan on playing any Varsity sports in college. However, I hope to stay active in intramurals, and hopefully try some new sports I didn’t play in high school.
Q: Why do you like teaching and special ed?
Working with students with disabilities is where I find my most joy. I could not see myself doing anything else. It has been my passion from a young age. I just always feel a connection with students with disabilities and I want to make that my career.
Q: Do you think TPA has helped you with your acceptance/what have you learned from it?
I definitely think TPA helped. Not only did it make me stand out but it will also put me ahead of students I am entering with. It was so easy to write about and allowed me to talk about my passion for real-world experiences. I have learned so much, but I think the most important thing I learned was that a good teacher is always learning and adapting to become an even better teacher. I am so grateful for all I have learned in TPA and all the wonderful teachers I was able to intern with.
Your donation will support the student journalists of Sycamore High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
