Sisters of Georgia College’s first and only multicultural sorority chapter, Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority Inc., celebrated their one-year anniversary during spring 2012.
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Pre-med major detours to public classroom
Posted:
February 06, 2012
Biology and pre-med major Miriam Isang’s plans to become a pediatrician took an unexpected tour into a public classroom.
On a friend’s recommendation Isang enrolled in 
Biology major Miriam Isang teaches eighth-graders the periodic table during science class.Project FOCUS, a service-learning course providing math and science majors an opportunity to work in public schools.
“The course became a priceless teaching experience for me,” she said. “I’m more confident as a person because Project FOCUS helped me step out of my comfort zone.”
The Nigerian native discovered that teaching taught her about her community and allowed her to share her experiences.
“This course is about more than becoming a classroom teacher,” said Dr. Connie Rickenbaker, Project FOCUS coordinator. “The focus of the program is multilayered. Our students are observing classroom settings; collaborating with students and teachers; learning how to speak publicly; and connecting with our communities.”
Isang’s course challenge: Teach an eighth-grade physical science class about the periodic table and atomic structure.
She worked weeks preparing her lecture materials. She checked and double-checked her PowerPoint slideshow, making sure it engaged students.
“I got really nervous when I found out I was going to teach an entire lesson to students,” said Isang. “The most challenging part was standing in front of the class and trying to explain material so they understood.”
When students solo teach, it is an eye-opening experience, said Rickenbaker.
“These classroom experiences are tremendous resources for our students to gain insight into what really happens in classrooms and society,” said Rickenbaker.
Project FOCUS is funded through the University System of Georgia’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Initiative.
The initiative launched during 2008 to increase STEM majors’ success in college and produce more and better prepared mathematics and science teachers.
Georgia College earned funding for several STEM-related projects including Project FOCUS to improve instruction and student learning in STEM subject areas.
Project FOCUS so inspired Isang that she plans to spend a year working for Teach For America or MATCH Corps before heading to medical school.
“You never know where your career path will take you,” Isang said. “Project FOCUS exposed me to various teaching strategies and offered new possibilities in math and science.”
For more information, contact Dr. Rickenbaker at connie.rickenbaker@gcsu.edu.
ABOUT GEORGIA COLLEGE: Georgia College, the state’s designated Public Liberal Arts University, combines the educational experience expected at esteemed private liberal arts colleges with the affordability of public higher education. Its four colleges – arts and sciences, business, education and health sciences – provide 6,600 undergraduate and graduate students with an exceptional learning environment that extends beyond the classroom, with hands-on involvement with faculty research, community service, residential learning communities, study abroad and myriad internships.
Founded in 1889, Georgia College boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation with Corinthian columns fronting red brick buildings and wide open green spaces. Georgia College also offers graduate education at the historic Jefferson building in downtown Macon, at Robins Air Force Base and online.
