SOE student ambassador connects with students
Tiara Banks is a junior at VCU and one of the new student ambassadors for the VCU School of Education. She is just starting her path to teaching, working toward her B.S. in English.
As a student ambassador, Tiara is largely responsible for assisting with projects for SOE’s recruitment team and engaging with students on campus, educating them about the many great opportunities the SOE offers. Tiara said her favorite experience being a student ambassador so far has been all the interpersonal interactions she’s made with future Rams.
“At the Shadow A Student Day and VCU Open House last semester, I was able to share my experience of being a student here at VCU, and help potential students find the best fit for them. It was so rewarding because I was able to see my impact on others,” she said.
A native of Newport News, Virginia, Tiara said she chose VCU because when she was comparing it to other local schools, it had the most appealing qualities, including diversity and inclusion.
Tiara plans to enter SOE’s RTR program, a highly competitive graduate residency program which preps teachers to meet the distinct challenges of high needs schools.
In her own words ...
What’s been your favorite experience of being a VCU student?
My favorite experience of being a VCU student is being involved on campus. Some things I do include being a member of the Activities Programming Board and a Black-Greek Lettered Organization. Through VCU’s various opportunities in organizations, I have been able to be more extroverted and more comfortable on campus.
What’s been the best part about living in Richmond?
The best part about living in Richmond is the city life. No matter the time of day, the city will be alive and can accommodate to your schedule. There is always so much going on that it is hard to get bored in the city of Richmond.
What made you want to become a teacher?
I realized I wanted to become a teacher when I realized how our inner city youth are being failed by older generations. I want to make a difference within the black community, starting with the youth and creating better generations to come.