Mackenzie Hessick, class of 2025 from Hilliard, Ohio, has been named the 2023 recipient of The Claudia E. and Charles F. Cornett Creative Teaching Merit Scholarship, which annually recognizes a rising junior or senior education major or minor seeking teacher licensure who has a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and exhibits creative behaviors and philosophies. The scholarship committee noted that four characteristics stood out in reviewing Hessick’s application: “her willingness to take risks and her playfulness with words, images, and ideas, especially as she tutored elementary-aged students with immunodeficiencies during the pandemic; her empathy toward others, particularly in the emphasis she places on children’s social and emotional health; and her persistence and resilience during problem solving, as evidenced by her ability to generate creative solutions across various contexts.”
Hessick, an early childhood education major with a minor in psychology recently took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to answer some questions about the award and what inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Wittenberg: How and when did you realize you wanted to be a teacher?
Hessick: I am blessed to have grown up with a younger sister, Clara, who I loved teaching the alphabet and sight words to. As I grew older, I was able to tutor my younger cousins, Alexa, Ella, and Liza, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I quickly realized I loved watching the people I love so much as they learned something new and were filled with joy and accomplishment.
Wittenberg: How has the education department and your Wittenberg education in general prepared you for the future?
Hessick: The professors have always encouraged and challenged me to push my creative limits. They have pushed me to ensure that my teaching practices are effective, engaging, and inclusive.
Wittenberg: What extracurricular activities have you been involved with at Wittenberg?
Hessick: University Honors Program, women’s soccer team, Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), Math Workshop (math education tutor), and Delta Gamma (vice president of programming)
Wittenberg: What are your goals after graduating from Wittenberg?
Hessick: I aspire to become an elementary educator after graduation. If possible, I would love to coach youth soccer as well.
Wittenberg: What does receiving the Cornett Teaching Award mean to you?
Hessick: I am extremely honored to have received this award. Earning this honor will continue to push me to embrace the creativity and determination that this award stands for. I look forward to continuing to embrace challenges as I work to become an educator.
