MacKenzie Conzelman grew up in Newcastle, Wyoming, a small community that shaped who she is today. She is a junior at Dickinson State University majoring in elementary education with minors in leadership and early childhood education and is earning her kindergarten endorsement. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree.
Her decision to become a teacher began with the people who influenced her early in life. She credits her parents, grandmother, and several former teachers for inspiring her to pursue this path. Working with students has only reinforced that choice; their kindness, enthusiasm, and the sense of comfort and purpose she feels in the classroom continue to motivate her.
For MacKenzie, DSU was a natural fit. With both parents graduating from the university in 2001, it had long been part of her family’s story, and she felt it was the right place to grow both personally and academically.
She said the education faculty have been key to her experience. “The education faculty serves as strong role models, offering support not only inside the classroom but also outside of school whenever students need guidance,” she said. Friendships within the program have also been important to her.
MacKenzie has taken part in many activities on campus. She played DSU basketball for two years and worked for Sodexo. She is involved in Student Ambassadors, the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, athletics photography, the Student Education Association, Best Friends Mentoring, OMC, and the Regional After School Program, and she serves as a resident assistant. “These opportunities have allowed me to meet new people, develop leadership skills, and become deeply engaged in the DSU community,” she said.
Her hands-on experiences have helped prepare her for the classroom. “I am receiving a strong education and gaining valuable hands-on experience through programs like the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and the after-school program,” she said. DSU’s small-campus environment has also made a difference. “I feel comfortable asking for help, seeking advice, and building relationships that will continue to support me in my future as an educator.”
Looking ahead, MacKenzie said she is grateful for her time at DSU. “Overall, my experiences at DSU have shaped me academically, professionally, and personally,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunities, the mentorship, and the friendships I have gained, all of which continue to prepare me for the career and future I am working toward.”