Brigid Utz

“Franciscan University’s education program has not only shaped me as a person, but also the way that I teach. In my undergrad, I initially started in nursing where God planted the seed of my love for Science. A year later, I transitioned into Franciscan’s Education program in Middle Childhood Science and Social Studies. Through Franciscan’s Educator Preparation Program, I learned how to help others by instilling self-confidence in them as they become the people God has created them to be. This strengthened my ability to serve and love all those God had placed under my care in my other roles as a resident assistant, member of Daughters of Divine Mercy Household, and student worker.”

“Building a classroom space where students holistically grow is something I am passionate about, as my FUS education professors modeled this in the classroom. An avid lover of learning, I knew that after graduating from Franciscan with my B.S. in Education, God was calling me to dive deeper into my vocation and head back to school. I am pleased to be pursuing my M.S. in Special Education at Eastern Connecticut State University this Fall. While working on my master’s, I will be a full-time special education paraprofessional for the 2024-2025 school year at my local high school, RHAM, in Hebron, CT.”

“Franciscan’s Education Department has supported and formed the framework for me as a preservice educator, giving me the confidence to trust God’s guiding hands in my continued educational pursuits post-grad.”