Student Spotlight: Caroline Kelly

This week's student spotlight shines on a junior elementary special/collaborative education major, with a minor in applied behavior analysis.

Graduating in December of 2020, Caroline says she came to Troy after being encouraged to go on a tour from friends that went to Troy before her.

"They said I would love the smaller feel," she explained, "as opposed to a bigger school like Auburn or Alabama, so I went on a tour and fell in love."

When she originally came to Troy, she wanted to be a nurse, but the summer between her freshman and sophomore year, Caroline worked at Easterseals Camp ASCCA, and her mind changed.

Camp ASCCA is a camp for people of all ages with disabilities.

ASCCA is an acronym that stands for Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults.

"Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Easterseals Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of traditional recreational and educational activities with a unique design for accessibility," their website reads.

"I fell in love with that population," Caroline says, "and knew that's what i wanted to do!"

When she came back to school the fall of her sophomore year she changed her major to special education.

When it comes to her dream job within the field, Caroline is still torn between education and therapy, but says as long as she is helping others she would be happy.

The applied behavior analysis introductory class has been her favorite class thus far at Troy University.

"I have really loved learning about the different behavior techniques, and looking into the behaviors of others," she says.

Her favorite professor within the college is Dr. Kelly Jewell, an Assistant Professor,

Program Coordinator for Collaborative Education, and Caroline's advisor.

"When I was torn about changing my major," Caroline says, "she sat down with me for multiple hours, helping me plan out schedules and choosing a minor. She's talked me through everything."

Dr. Jewell is one of many that makes Caroline's favorite part of Troy the people.

The community found at Troy is unlike any place she's ever lived.

"It's not too big to where you never see a familiar face," she explains, "but it's also not too small to where you know everyone.

"I love the people around me, the people at Troy, and the impact that they've made on my life."




Comments