Lucas Hall
Graduation Year: 2011
Major: Childhood Education with a minor in Earth Science and coaching certification
Hometown: Gilbertsville, NY
CAREER GOAL:
Teaching Elementary Education or high school Earth Science and coaching varsity athletics.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES:
Luke came to Oneonta as a criminal justice major, but after one education class, he realized that he wants to teach and to make a difference in students’ lives. A Dean’s List student, he has already been inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. Luke describes his academic experiences at Oneonta: “Most of my classes are discussion based, not just boring lectures. The professors make the classes fun to attend. Most of the time, we are doing creative activities that make the classes engaging.”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
A member of the Outdoor Club and Volleyball Club, Luke also plays four intramural sports, competes successfully as a bodybuilder, mentors new students through the College Assistance Migrant Program, and has already completed over 450 hours of volunteer service. A student coordinator of the Center for Social Responsibility and Community, he has participated in conferences in Boston, Baltimore, and Syracuse in his first two years.
Why Oneonta?
I came to Oneonta because of its great reputation! Everyone I talked to loved Oneonta. Oneonta is also small enough to where I almost always know someone within the room around me, but big enough to meet new people each and every day. It is a beautiful campus. It had several majors I was interested in. The professors are phenomenal here. Most will take the extra time with any student that is willing to work hard, and they inspire their students to do their best. Oneonta has opened doors of opportunity for me—chances to do real hands-on learning, to grow as a leader, to get involved. Everything I’ve done has been a learning experience and a career-building experience.
What class has influenced you the most?
By far, my most influential class was Education 106 taught by Christine Gallagher. This is the class that made me take the dive into the well known and challenging Education program here at SUNY Oneonta. Walking in, I thought this class was going to be a long, boring class about how teachers are so important. But Mrs. Gallagher quickly changed my mindset. She inspired me to be the best person I can be and to try to make an impact on everyone around me. She energized her students within the classroom. She made us want to learn and do the best that we can. This class set the tone for my college career and helped me figure out who I truly am. I never thought one person could be so inspiring, but she lifted the creativity and excitement out of each and every one of her students. She has been my role model throughout my college years thus far, and she has demonstrated the type of teacher that I one day want to become.
What three words summarize your experience at Oneonta?
Exciting: first day moving into your dorm, meeting new people, college life in general, sports, class projects.
Intense: workload for classes, hustle and bustle of college life, exams.
Friendships: between the students, professors, administrators, and everyone around campus.
What advice do you have for high school students considering Oneonta?
Become as active as you possibly can on and around campus. The more people you meet and the more active you stay around campus, the more enjoyable your college experience will be. Get out there, meet new people, go to many different events, join clubs, join intramural sports, and have a great time in college. College is what you make of it, so go pursue your dreams.
