Hobbies and interests
Advocacy And Activism
Animals
Biology
Reading
Academic
Classics
Fantasy
I read books daily
Cody Fishell
1,615
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FinalistCody Fishell
1,615
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FinalistBio
I am passionate about the environment and education. I am currently working as a high school science teacher were I am have the opportunity to inspire and change the lives of hundreds of young adults everyday. This has motivated me to learn more about what we can do, as humans, to better protect the resources around us. I give my students real-world experiences that they can take with them and use to make significant changes, not only in there lives, but in the lives of people around them.
Education
Oregon State University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
Western Michigan University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Education, General
Minors:
- Chemistry
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
High Science Teacher
Education Interpreter
Binder Park Zoo2022 – 2022Science Teacher
Coldwater High School2020 – Present4 years
Arts
Western Michigan University Marching Band
Music2014 – 2017
Public services
Volunteering
Boy Scouts of America — Various Positions2016 – 2019
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Growing with Gabby Scholarship
As a teacher the past couple of years have been challenging. With having to find ways to connect and support students during a pandemic and then helping students post-pandemic, it has changed who I am as a person and as a teacher, especially this past year. Over the past year I have realized that what helps my students the most is having a teacher who constantly shows up and supports them in whatever their endeavors are. They need a teacher who is willing to listen to them and is willing to meet them were there are in a warm and caring manor. I knew that if I wanted to support my students, I had to change myself.
One of the first things that I realized was students need someone who is focused on them during the time that we spend together and not worrying about problems that are not in front of them. To help with this goal I started doing yoga. Yoga has allowed me to grow and reflect on who I am not only as a teacher, but also as a person. By building a consistent yoga routine I have noticed that my anxiety levels have dropped, I am more focused throughout the day, and I am able to support people in my life better.
I would always worry obsessively about anything and everything. How are my students going to behave today? What if something goes wrong in my lesson? Did I forget to do something at home? These negative self thoughts were always in my mind and this put strain on all of my relationships. After starting yoga and changing my diet, I noticed that my relationships were getting better. I was able to be present for not only my students, but also my wife. Since then my relationship with my wife has grown even stronger and I credit that to me being present with her and engaging even in the most mundane tasks.
I have also learned that some things will never change. I cannot control my students' behaviors. I have no control over how work will go and if there will be any problems. The only thing I can count on is that there will be problems that arise. I still have problems with students' behaviors during class. My work and personal life are not perfect, but I have gained control over how I handle those situations as they arise. This has resulted in me becoming calmer and more focused throughout the day. No longer am I worrying about problems that may or may not even happen throughout the day. This has made me a better teacher and a better person, because now I have energy and space for my family at the end of the day.