Student Profile: AYA Math Teacher Ed Major Leads by Example

Clarissa Crowley, one of the first Adolescence to Young Adult Education (AYA) Mathematics majors at Ohio Christian University, set her sights high when she decided to major in STEM education to transform young lives.

Serving as a ‘guinea pig’ for the new AYA curriculum with its advanced, yet enticing, and rigorous materials, Crowley’s goal for herself is not only propelling her into the future, but also enabling her to demonstrate faith-based leadership to her peers.

Becoming a servant leader wasn’t always in the cards for Crowley.  Higher education seemed unobtainable to her until a former OCU president arrived to vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN, Crowley’s hometown. 

“Until I encountered OCU’s former president who shared about the university, I never imagined attending college was within my reach.  I felt driven to succeed, but I wasn’t sure what steps to take.  With a scholarship obtained through guidance of OCU’s Financial Aid Office, I am acquiring a quality higher education.  It was God’s will that I discovered here is where to earn my teaching degree.”

Many students like Crowley struggle with unknowns in finding their way to and through college.  However, as her story demonstrates, God enables us to succeed, especially when we align with His will and calling for us.  “After OCU’s president heard my testimony at our church, he introduced himself and told me about OCU, and, through prayer and trusting God, I decided to come.”

In her junior year now, Crowley feels OCU’s AYA Teacher Education program is phenomenal: “It is preparing me to be highly equipped in the classroom. I have no doubt I will continue and become an inspiration to others.  OCU has taught me to take chances.  Through Christ, we can do anything.”