#Fisher2020: From Student to Teacher

As a Service Scholar, St. John Fisher College alumna Grace Windschitl ’20 spent three years working at Nazareth Elementary, a place she now calls her “second home.”

“Nazareth Elementary will always be one of my most cherished memories from my time at Fisher; it is where I discovered that I wanted to be a teacher,” she says.

A history major with a minor in psychology, Windschitl credits faculty members Drs. Carolyn Vacca, Oliver Griffin, Steve Valone, Frank Dotolo, Lawrence Fouraker, and Mark Rice with sparking a passion for history and challenging her to step outside her comfort zone.

“My Fisher education has contributed to my ability to become a well-rounded individual, which could be seen in the programs I was involved in, the internships I was a part of, and through any activities held at Fisher,” she explains. “I am thankful for the opportunities and experiences Fisher has provided me which contribute to who I am today.”

Windschitl has returned to Buffalo, her hometown, to serve as a teacher through Teach for America. She credits her unique experiences at the College in helping her form career goals and forge a path to accomplish them. 

“My Fisher education has challenged me and pushed me to reach my truest potential, which contributed to my acceptance in Teach For America,” she said. “I hope to be in the classroom working with students and creating a school culture that promotes success of each student. Every child has the potential to be successful and I want to motivate and inspire each student to reach that potential.”