Finding Greatness: Kiera Casion
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, May 3, 2021 12:00 AM
Categories:
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | Finding Greatness | Students | Pressroom
Macon, GA
President’s List scholar Kiera Casion will kick off her education career this fall as a fifth grade teacher at Skyview Elementary School, and also plans to begin working on her master's degree.
Full Name: Kiera Orlandria Lashay Casion.
Age: 23.
Hometown: Albany, Ga./ Fort Bragg, N.C.
Residence: Macon.
High School: “I attended E.E. Smith High School for two years in Fayetteville, N.C., and then moved to Fort Campbell, Ky. I graduated in 2015. In high school I was involved in many organizations and extracurricular activities. These included Future Educators of America, National Honor Society, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee All-State Choir, and track and field. In addition, I was a part of an organization called S2S (Student-to-Student). Within this organization, I provided new students a tour of the school and helped them get familiar with their schedules and classes and built relationships with them. I also volunteered at the Salvation Army.”
Family: Mother, Tenesha Canidate; father, Brian Casion; brother, Brian Casion Jr.; brother, Brilen Casion; sister, Briahna Casion; grandparents, Mary B. Canidate and Susie Riggins; significant other, Randy Williams. “There are so many more that have supported me throughout my journey, and I love them all so much!”
Employment: “I will be starting my first teaching job at Skyview Elementary as a 5th grade English language arts teacher!”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Special Education.
Class Rank: Senior.
Primary Campus: Macon.
Career Goals: “After my first year of teaching, I plan to begin working on obtaining my master’s degree and building my teacher tool kit with effective and research-based strategies.”
She chose Middle Georgia State University because … “I was looking for a smaller college that provides high-quality programs. I found just that at Middle Georgia State University. The location of the Macon Campus was not far from home, the course load was manageable, and the professors were dedicated and supportive. Middle Georgia State University was also much more affordable than my previous colleges. This alleviated stress about student loans and fees.”
The greatest thing she discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “The phenomenal professors and colleagues within the Macon education cohort. Throughout my time at Middle Georgia State, I have built relationships with classmates and professors and believe this will last as my career progresses. The meaningful work that was conducted through courses in the education program has provided me with experience and knowledge that I can apply and influence my students with.”
Her greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been … “Making the President’s List numerous times throughout my years at Middle Georgia State University. Another great academic experience was having my dedication and hard work recognized by the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. I was this year’s recipient of the Carol Bloodworth Award. This award is given to senior education majors who demonstrate characteristics of being competent, accountable, reflective, and engaged (C.A.R.E.).”
To her, greatness means … “Being able to overcome challenges using your own set of unique qualities and skills because the definition of ‘greatness’ is as diverse as we are.
In five years … “I see myself continuing my teaching career at Skyview Elementary. I will be more involved within the Lizella and Macon community, providing support and knowledge to my students and spreading positivity and joy to those I come across. In addition, I see myself married, a mother of two dogs, obtaining my master’s and specialist’s degrees, and thinking about beginning my doctorate. Even with these in mind, I will follow wherever God guides me!”