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Bunker Hill senior plans to teach children

By Sarah Newell Williamson | Hickory Daily Record

Published: June 13, 2009

CLAREMONT - Mallory Nye knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher.

"My dad said I always tried to get my little sister to play school with me," she said. "I tried to teach my little sister her multiplication tables when she was only in kindergarten."

Nye, 17, will be headed off to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in a few weeks to accomplish her dream.

The Bunker Hill High senior said she picked the university for its long history of having a strong education program and its beautiful campus.

When she enrolls in education classes, Nye won't be without any experience with children. She served as a teacher cadet her junior year of high school. A special class, she got to create lesson plans and work in Conover School.

"I like seeing their smiling faces," Nye said.

She also worked at Bethlehem Child Development Center for a year. Although she worked with the younger children there initially, Nye was switched over to helping with the 4- to 5-year-olds because she worked with them better.

She said she likes it so much that she wants to be a kindergarten teacher.

"I always remember my kindergarten teacher. She's been my favorite teacher, and I want my students to remember me," Nye said. "In kindergarten, I had my bad stage. I remember that when I finally shared my crayons with the other students, my teacher, Miss Link, was so excited she got on a table and danced because I was good."

Nye said when she was in the teaching program, she thought about teaching third or fourth grade, but decided that kindergarten was where she would have the most impact.

"In kindergarten, they're so innocent. They're just developing," she said. "I want them to be wiser because of me."

As she heads to UNC-Greensboro in the fall, Nye said she'll miss Spirit Week at Bunker Hill the most — a sure sign that she's already destined to be a teacher.

"I'll miss that week during homecoming. I love that," she said. "I love screaming and yelling for who has the most spirit."

By the same token, though, she's already eyeing the future.

"I'm looking forward to being on my own and meeting new people," Nye said. "I'm ready to become my own person."