Marissa Lopez: “The only field I ever really felt a calling to.”

First-generation undergraduate student credits supportive SOE faculty and staff for helping her childhood dream of teaching children take shape.

Marissa Lopez is a first-generation student who hopes to graduate from the VCU School of Education in the spring with a B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education and Teaching degree. She was inspired to pursue study in the field of education after a conversation with her aunt.

Headshot of Marissa Lopez, undergraduate student in the VCU School of Education.
Marissa Lopez

What drew you to the field of education?

Some of my strongest passions in this life are helping others and interacting with children. Coming into college, I was undeclared and unsure where these passions might take me. I leaned toward the medical field, but I knew I did not want to go in that direction, though I have endless respect for those who do.

Since I was in elementary school, I was drawn to the role of the teacher, and often volunteered to help in the classroom. It’s no secret that teachers don’t bring home the largest paychecks compared to other fields, and I allowed that to deter me for a long time. I spent the majority of my freshman year ignoring the only field I ever really felt a calling to.

Who inspired you to pursue study in this field?

It was a conversation with my aunt during the summer between freshman and sophomore year. She reminded me that in this world, money comes and goes, but it’s the passions of this life that keep our souls burning. That’s when I decided to chase after what made me happy, which was working with children.

As you go through school, there are certain teachers who stick with you. Four or five teachers through the years made a special impact on me, and made me realize that my goal was to be an educator. I aim to have that same impact on as many students as I can. Those teachers are my inspiration.

Why VCU SOE?

I must say, I did not choose VCU for the School of Education. When I started looking at colleges, VCU was the first place my mom and I toured. After our tour, I asked my mom if I could get a T-shirt. She reminded me that we couldn’t get a shirt from every school, to which I replied, “Oh, I know.” Because VCU is located in the middle of the City of Richmond, I personally love how diverse and real it feels. After our weekend tours of colleges in the state, I returned home with VCU at the top of my list. Little did I know at the time that the School of Education would turn out to have the best faculty at VCU.

“I can honestly say that I have never received better or more helpful guidance as I have as part of the SOE family.”

What has impressed you the most about your program so far?

It took me a little while to find the proper program for me here, but as I go into my senior year, I am comfortable with attaining my B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education and Teaching. In this program, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible advisors and professors. Since I’ve been here, I have met the most helpful, understanding and amazing professors at VCU here in the School of Education. I continue to be amazed by the faculty and staff in the school every day.

What’s your dream job?

It’s a little complicated. In addition to my passions for children, I have great passions to travel. Eventually, I would like to teach in a classroom in the states someday; before that, I picture myself teaching abroad. That could include teaching in lower socio-economic villages, working on military bases, teaching English or perhaps even tutoring kids all over the world. Humanitarian work interests me greatly, but I have yet to find the right path that combines all of these passions. I have great hopes for what the future holds.

How do you relax and have fun outside of school?

My family and friends have always been very important to me. I spend as much time as I can with the ones I love, which of course includes my dogs. I’m from Hampton, Virginia, and I grew up a beach baby. I still draw great comfort from water. So, when I am not in school or working out at the gym with VCU RecWell, you’ll generally find me with friends or family, near some body of water. I find an abundance of joy from the simple pleasures in life.

Any tips for students who are considering coming to VCU SOE to pursue study in your program?

Committing to any program or major can be scary and confusing, especially for a first-generation college student like myself. I can honestly say that I have never received better or more helpful guidance as I have as part of the SOE family. I advise prospective students to reach out to their advisors or fellow students within their program. There are also many ways to get involved so you don’t feel like you’re all alone. Ask questions, make connections, and your path will become very clear. The School of Education is not for everyone, but for those who have the passion for children and teaching, I expect you will be very pleased with what this program has to offer.