Commencement Spotlight: Abby Wilson

Bachelor of Science in Education with an English Concentration

English Teacher, Lee County High School

 

Abby Wilson, a 24-year-old native of Leesburg, Georgia, will graduate on May 10 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Albany State University College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies. 

Wilson’s time at Albany State was marked by active leadership and a passion for community service. She served as president of the College Exchange Club for two semesters, where she led impactful initiatives, such as adopting families for Christmas through the Lily Pad SANE Center and organizing Easter basket donations. She also participated in service events like the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness and Toys for Tots Toy Runs.

On campus, Wilson enriched her educational journey by engaging with the Office of International Education during International Education Week and completing a teaching internship at Lee County High School, where she worked in a 12th-grade literature classroom. Her educational leadership has continued as she steps into the official sponsor role of the Lee County High School Senior Level BETA Club in the upcoming school year.

Her academic accomplishments include being recognized as the Highest-Ranking Student in the English Department with a 4.0 GPA in 2020, maintaining perfect attendance and the highest average in both Practicum II and III, and being honored on Honors Day for academic excellence.

Wilson has secured a full-time position as an English teacher at Lee County High School for the next academic year. In addition to teaching, she will pursue her gifted endorsement through RESA and continue to build her leadership portfolio as the BETA Club Sponsor. Looking ahead, she aspires to earn a master’s degree and teach English at the collegiate level.

 

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
What motivated me to learn about education was actually a funny story. My first choice in what I wanted to be when I was in high school was a psychiatrist. I wanted to be able to work with children who needed help the most, but in my brain in 9^th grade, I told myself that was too much school for me to go through. As I got to 10^th grade, I realized that in my mind, education was the best way to help children. I have always done what was best for children, having worked with children since middle school – Babysitting, daycare, Extended Day programs, until I finally landed my way in my internship. Being in classrooms before my college program certainly helped me learn that education was my niche – working with students in a variety of age groups helped me learn that I wanted to work with the teenagers when I was in high school, versus playing around in college with the differing age groups and being unsure of where I wanted to go. Though now that I have experienced students in my classroom, I have recognized that I want to move even higher up to teach collegiate-level courses.

 

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU at first simply because of the convenience of location in regard to my house. But when I finished my associates, what helped me decide to stay was the familial relationship I felt that I created with the professors I encountered and continued to encounter throughout both the English and Education departments.

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
What I love most about my chosen profession can be tied down to one quote: “You could be whoever, whatever you wanna be, even someone good. Just in case anyone ever told you different.” - Mobius M. Mobius (Loki, Season 1, Episode 4: “The Nexus Event”).

As a high school English teacher, I've learned that the experiences my students bring into the classroom do not define their potential within it. Some students who may be perceived as "bad kids" might simply lack someone who truly believes in them. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space in my classroom where all students feel valued and empowered.

It is incredibly rewarding to witness students finding comfort and support in my classroom. Whether they join me for lunch, seek guidance during difficult times, or even offer me support when I need it, these interactions reinforce the importance of creating a nurturing environment. Knowing that my classroom might be a sanctuary for students who lack such support outside of school is deeply fulfilling.

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
There are multiple people who have made a big impact on me at Albany State University: Dr. Christopher Jensen, Professor Kenneth Broome, and of course, Professor Zeporia Gilmore in my student teaching program.

The person who has made the biggest impact on me as a future educator is Dr. Christopher Jensen. He taught my History of the English Language course; it made me truly see English in a different light and ultimately enjoy it in more ways than simply reading literature. He was also the professor for one of my British Literature courses.

Mr. Kenneth Broome was my English Composition 1101 professor, and he made me find a new love for creative writing with the variety of unique writing assignments we had to complete in his class.

And last, but certainly not least is Professor Zeporia Gilmore, who has shown so much support for me as a teacher intern and has always ensured that I, as well as the rest of our student teachers, are prepared to enter the field and do what is best for children.

 

What is your favorite memory from your time at ASU?
My favorite memories from ASU have always come from participating in the various events within the education department: our colloquiums, seminars, and just different lectures that made my time truly memorable.

 

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
My advice to fellow ASU students is simple yet crucial: never give up. While it may sound cliché, I personally faced challenges that made me doubt my ability to graduate. Perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.

 

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
To any high school student considering Albany State University, I wholeheartedly encourage you to choose ASU. You will discover a strong sense of community fostered through a variety of clubs and organizations aligned with different majors and interests. ASU provides numerous opportunities to connect with others through campus events and actively promotes student engagement through regular communication about daily happenings, demonstrating its genuine care for the well-being and social lives of its students.