It is known far and wide that the opportunities afforded to students at Northern State University are second to none in this day and age – from getting hands-on experience in the career fields they are preparing to launch themselves to taking in an outstanding campus experience. No one takes advantage of these resources like a certain exuberant student in the Millicent Atkins School of Education: Carly Hubert.

Hubert, a senior elementary education major with an early childhood education minor, has spent her life engulfed in a sea of maroon and gold as an Aberdeen native. Some of the fondest memories from her childhood were centered around Northern, which specifically included experiencing Gypsy Days as a kid. From a young age, Hubert recognized a strong desire to be a part of a culture with such strong support coming from all directions. When it came time to decide where she wanted to go to college, the right choice was obvious for Hubert: Northern.

During her time at Northern, Hubert has flourished as a quasi-campus celebrity of sorts – she might as well be a back-up mascot for Northern in case Thunder ever gets sick! Her Northern pride is effervescent and shines through every interaction she has. Incoming students looking to experience and capture the essence of Northern are in extreme luck – Hubert is often the first real NSU student they meet, as she works as a student representative in the Admissions office. In this capacity, Hubert has the ability to help make high school students’ life decisions easier.

Chosen as Gypsy Queen

With involvement as a past president of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and as a member of the Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) as notches on her belt, Hubert has taken in the Northern experience in all facets. Through her involvement on campus, Hubert’s childhood love for all things Gypsy Days came full-circle this past September when she was chosen as the 2018 Gypsy Days Queen.

Hubert’s gratitude for taking on such a prestigious honor is abundantly obvious as she reminisces about it: “It was such an amazing honor because it meant that I was an ambassador of the university that I owe so much to. Being able to celebrate Northern alongside nine other leaders on campus was an experience that I will never forget!”

Beyond her involvement on campus, Hubert continues to make great strides in the School of Education in pursuit of becoming a teacher once she graduates. Through the School of Ed, Hubert has been given endless opportunities to better prepare herself for her future, which have included an opportunity to study abroad in Greece, network with area teaching professionals, volunteer in the Aberdeen community and, most importantly, get hands-on experience in the classroom with a great support system backing her.

Gained Real-World Experience

During her studies with the School of Education, Hubert has been subjected to real-world teaching experience in Warner and at May Overby Elementary School in Aberdeen. On top of this, the School of Education has positioned their students in a great place as several of their upper-level, pre-student teaching courses are held at Mike Miller Elementary School. Hubert will go on to spend spring semester student teaching at a school in close proximity to Aberdeen and NSU.

“The courses taught at Mike Miller Elementary provide NSU teacher candidates opportunities to practice implementing educational technology, apply course content and develop their confidence by teaching and working directly with K-5 students,” mentioned Dr. Andria Moon, NSU assistant professor of elementary education. “This partnership also benefits the elementary school because the teacher candidates provide extra help for students and teachers.”

Hubert cites her professors’ support as a contributing factor to her own student success in the School of Education: “The sheer idea that every professor you encounter in the School of Education wants to see you succeed and be a part of your teaching success story means so much. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am without them. They continue to offer us endless learning opportunities for us to take into the classroom.” 

Her own professors have some pretty great things to say about her, too: “Every few years you encounter one of those unique students who totally impresses you with tremendous skill, maturity, personality and talent, who excels so exceptionally that one thinks, ‘this student is awesome.’ Carly Hubert is one of those students,” regarded Moon.

Wants to Impact Children’s Lives

Hubert wants to impact children’s lives in a way that makes them believe that they are capable and deserving of quality education, regardless of who they are, where they are from or what educational background they have prior. No matter where she goes, it is clear that Hubert will do just that as she goes on to take on the world this next fall, maroon and gold attire and Northern pride in tow.

The success stories pouring out of NSU appear to be endless as our university continues to grow and set itself apart from our counterparts and the pack couldn’t be prouder. The hard work and success of students like Hubert have set a standard of excellence that will inspire other students to become trailblazers in the many years to come.