About Me

Hello!
My name is Eleanor and I am a junior Elementary Education major at the University of Portland. My path to become an educator has been anything but straight forward. In entered my Freshmen year as a biochemistry major with ambitions of going to medical school and becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Although I loved science (and still do), I quickly found the medical career path to be too impersonal for me. I thrive in environments where I can make deeper connections with people.

In the middle of my sophomore year I was unhappy, stressed out and not enjoying my college experience. I've always been a somewhat stubborn person and the idea of changing majors, essentially giving up on myself, frightened me. Eventually I realized it was more important to be true to myself rather than pursue a subject I was not passionate about so I transferred into the education program.

I am now in my final year at the University of Portland. I spent fall semester doing part-time student teaching at George Middle School in a 6th grade science classroom. I absolutely loved getting to teach students more about weather and climate during my time there. I am now student teaching at Bridlemile Elementary School in a 3rd grade classroom. I have had such a great time so far and am excited for what is to come.

I grew up in Colorado and have a deep passion for exploring the outdoors. When I'm not in class, at work, or at on of my field experience placements (realistically, not often), I love to get out and explore whether it be finding a new coffee shop or trekking through the Columbia River Gorge.

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in London which drastically increased my travel bug. During the six weeks I spent there I went to as many museums as possible, took weekend trips to Edinburgh and Marrakesh and met some of the most amazing people. After I graduate, I hope to spend some time teaching internationally.

Feel free to contact me at cruise16@up.edu


Thanks for Reading!