2019 FALL LYCOMING COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Rebecca “Becky” (Leid) Gibboney ’10 (Spanish major) Curriculum and Online Learning Specialist, BLaST IU17; Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Lycoming College; Former Spanish Teacher and Instructional Coach, Loyalsock Township School District “I chose to become a teacher because I love being that constant in a student’s life - that person who can make an impact, small or big. I enjoy that I go in to work every day and each day is different than the other. You never know what to expect. I chose Spanish because I believe that global empathy and cultural awareness is so important for our students, especially in the world we live in today. I have recently embarked on a new journey within the education world as a curriculum and online learning specialist at BLaST IU17 and look forward to engaging with educators and educational leaders across our region. It is a great opportunity to be able to coach women’s basketball at my alma mater because I see two completely different sides of the program. I now understand things I never understood when I played from the coaching side of things. I can also relate to what our student-athletes go through each season. Lycoming gave me so much, and this is one way I enjoy giving back to Lycoming. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!” Peter Ruhl ’06 (digital communications/electronic media major) Fifth Grade Teacher, Montgomery Area School District “I am a Montgomery Area School District fifth grade teacher and have been in the position for seven years. The most enjoyable aspect of teaching is when students say, ‘Mr. Ruhl, look what I figured out!’ and ‘Let me show you this!’ Watching students learn necessary academic and 21st-century skills through self-discovery and being involved in highly collaborative, inquiry-based learning environments that will aid them in becoming more energetic, positive members within our society makes the time and effort in the classroom extremely rewarding. My ability to teach would not be possible if it were not for my Lycoming College experience. Choir, soccer, student employment, leadership opportunities, and many other activities helped mold me into a teacher. It taught me to welcome each student with an unbiased and friendly personality, how to motivate them to create their own success, and help them develop a passion and drive to show others that they can achieve anything.” Travis Fernandez ’18 (art major) Special Education Teacher, Kuinnerrarmiut Elitnaurviat School “I am currently working for the Lower Kuskokwim School District. I teach at Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat school in Quinhagak, Alaska, as the grades 6-12 special education teacher. Next school year I will be transferring to Chief Paul Memorial School in Kipnuk, Alaska, for the same position in the same district. I chose to teach because nothing makes me happier than making a difference in students’ lives. Especially out here in rural Alaska, these students and communities need teachers who are ready to assimilate, adapt, and help. After graduating from Lycoming, I realized how great of a job they did with preparing me to teach. The teaching strategies and interventions are what I’m utilizing the most. I’m thankful for how thorough the education professors were in preparing me. However, some things can’t be taught until you’re on the job, and that makes teaching very exciting.” Peter Ruhl teaching during Dr. Seuss Week Gibboney in front of the Royal Palace during a trip with her students to Spain and Italy 19 www.lycoming.edu