Fall Grad Spotlight: Ashley Roberts

Ashley Roberts, of Caldwell, Ohio, will graduate this semester with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the Patton College of Education and minors in history from the College of Arts and Sciences and nutrition from the College of Health Sciences and Professions.
 
What are your next steps or plans after graduation?
After I graduate, I will be teaching preschool at my placement school. I also plan to go back for my master’s in two years. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Zanesville—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I started to take classes within my major, I really felt like I was progressing as a future educator and I gained confidence in myself. 

Why did you choose OHIO? 
I chose Ohio University Zanesville because I heard great things about the school and because Ohio University offers regional campuses. This option fit my life the best.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors at Ohio University Zanesville were Dr. Teri Pealsey and Barbara Smith. Both of these ladies held me to such high standards that I didn’t want to disappoint them. They both were always there to help me in my school life and in my personal life. They truly embody the perfect professors. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
It took me extra time to complete my degree because OHIO's requirements were so different from my other university’s. I overcame this by trusting the process and kept pushing on. 

What are your favorite OHIO memories?
My favorite memories at OHIO center around my education classes. We really felt like a family. Dr. Peasley helped facilitate this relationship and we got to have dinners as a group and celebrate each one’s successes. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
I would tell them to not miss the opportunity to really get to know their professors. OU has some amazing people working for them and if I had not gotten to develop relationships with the incredible professors, I would not have enjoyed my time as much.