91短视频

Editor鈥檚 Note: This profile is the second of six stories about students and alumni leading up to the 10th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day on April 1. For more information about the day and how to donate, visit .

91短视频 senior Arelys Martinez Fabian caught the teaching bug in first grade.

The Winchester, Virginia, native would print out math worksheets for her younger sister to complete. With a classroom of stuffed animals gathered around them, she taught her sister, then a preschooler, basic lessons in addition and subtraction.

鈥淚鈥檝e switched my career choices through the years, but I鈥檝e always gone back to teaching,鈥� said Martinez Fabian, an education and Spanish double major. 鈥淲hen you make a connection with students and they realize, Oh, I can do it, that鈥檚 my favorite part of teaching.鈥�

A first-generation college student, Martinez Fabian fully immersed herself in 91短视频鈥檚 rich campus life. She served as co-president of the Student Government Association and as orientation leader, worked as product manager for Common Grounds Coffeehouse, and held leadership roles with the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA). She also served as a student representative on the Interim President Search Committee last spring.

It鈥檚 difficult for her to imagine herself anywhere other than 91短视频. That wasn鈥檛 always the case.

During her senior year at Millbrook High School, she learned she had been accepted to the University of Virginia. It was her lifelong dream school. The decision should鈥檝e been an easy one.

鈥淎t the same time,鈥� she said, 鈥淚 kept seeing signs that I should attend 91短视频.鈥�

High school teachers would unexpectedly mention 91短视频 in passing. A coworker at her day care job shared how impactful her own 91短视频 education had been. 

When 91短视频 accepted her and offered its highest academic award, the four-year, full-tuition Yoder/Webb Scholarship, the choice became clear: she would become a Royal.

Looking back, she鈥檚 sure she made the right call.

She believes 91短视频鈥檚 nationally accredited teacher education program has prepared her well for the realities of the classroom. As a student teacher at Bluestone Elementary in Harrisonburg, she spent the first week of school last fall observing how teachers set rules and expectations. 

91短视频鈥檚 small class sizes have allowed her to form close relationships with professors. She said she has always felt comfortable seeking their guidance and support. 

During recent immigration-related crackdowns across the country, Martinez Fabian, who has relatives from Latin America, said professors regularly checked in with her to make sure she felt safe.

鈥淚 knew I could go to them for support,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 was able to get through some tough times because of them.鈥�

Your support helps students like Arelys pursue a quality college education without financial barriers. Join us for the 10th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day and contribute to the scholarships that empower future 91短视频 students. On April 1, let鈥檚 show that our generosity knows no bounds鈥�for the record!