My name is Regan Zimmer. I was born in Rochester, Minnesota but lived in Spring Valley, Minnesota until just recently. I attended Kingsland Public Schools for elementary, middle, and high school. After graduating from Kingsland High School, I attended the University of Minnesota Duluth for Athletic Training. While in Duluth, I quickly decided that athletic training was not the right fit for me. After moving back to Spring Valley, I spent time in a kindergarten classroom lending a hand to my favorite teacher. This is when I realized my passion for working with young students. I was always happy going to school and seemed to be even happier after spending the day in the classroom. A few of my biggest supporters encouraged me to make a leap of faith and pursue elementary education. Without much convincing, I decided to apply to Winona State University in the fall of 2013, declaring my major in elementary education. This has been one of the best decisions of my life. I spent much of my time in high school volunteering for the community. My mother is very involved in community organizations; in turn I was often tagging along when she volunteered. As I spent time in the community, I grew a passion for giving my time to better others and the community. Through school I was involved in many organizations that benefited the community. Along with those activities, I participated in volleyball, basketball and track. I continue to give time to the community and spend time being active. Through high school and early college years, I also spent time volunteering in a kindergarten classroom at Kingsland Elementary School. During high school, I was assigned to my kindergarten teacher’s classroom. I enjoyed this classroom so much that when returning from Duluth, I decided to volunteer my extra time in the classroom. This experience made me realize how passionate I was about working with young students and making an impact on their lives. I am thankful for this program, as it has given me confidence in over 100 hours of clinical experiences and student teaching. Through all of my experience in the classroom, I have learned, organizing skills, tips for dealing with behaviors, ways to redirect students, but most importantly, I have learned how to connect with a student and build trust. Many students struggle with different aspects of school, whether that may be academically or socially. Having a trusting and safe classroom community will only better the school year and the amount of growth in each student. As a young student, I always looked up to my teachers and I continue to. Becoming a teacher, I strive to be a role model for young students as they grow. I want to build relationships with students so they feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. In turn, I feel they will gain an abundance of knowledge.