KOKOMO, Ind. — Making a difference in people’s lives is Abby Lefler’s goal. And a chance-of-a-lifetime opportunity is going to help make that possible.
Lefler will finish out her education degree as a student teacher overseas, leaving in February for Ireland to teach middle school science or high school biology. A $1,000 scholarship from the IU Kokomo Alumni Association eases the financial burden of this experience.
The IUAA scholarship has taken a huge weight off my chest by providing additional funding,” she said. “I still have a ways to go fundraising, but I’m so grateful to have received this award.”
This learning experience will place her in Ireland for seven weeks, living with a local family.
I’m excited to see how students are educated in another country,” said Lefler, who will graduate in May. “I’m looking forward to the experience, and to building a pen pal relationship with my teacher, to bring to my own classroom. Being aware of your cultural background, and other people’s backgrounds is incredibly important. I want to be able to expose my students to the Irish culture.”
She plans to take learn from this opportunity and show her appreciation by giving back.
I want to pay it forward by empowering, educating, and equipping today’s youth to be tomorrow’s movers and shakers. I understand the power of education but most importantly the power of someone believing in you,” she said.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.