Jalyn Gryskiewicz has wanted to be a teacher since she was 8 years old. As she graduates from TCU with a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education, that dream is now becoming a reality.
“Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been passionate about learning and helping others grow in knowledge,” Gryskiewicz said. “There is nothing quite like the moment you see something finally click for a student.”
The Chandler, Arizona, native spent her time at TCU preparing for a future in the
classroom while also exploring how educators can better support students emotionally
and socially. Her Roach Honors research focused on how explicit social-emotional learning
lessons can help students better understand and label emotions.
“As students show a greater need for social and emotional support, it’s important that we help them understand and express what they’re feeling,” she said.
One of the most meaningful moments during Gryskiewicz’s Roach Honors experience was presenting that research at the College of Education Research and Pedagogy Festival.
“I had been working on the project for so long, so it was exciting to finally share my findings and talk about why education research matters,” she said.
Her favorite Roach Honors class was Engaging Differences and Diversity, a course she said challenged her perspective while creating meaningful conversations among students from different backgrounds.
“It created a safe space for productive conversations and really pushed my thinking,” she said.
After graduation, Gryskiewicz will begin teaching second grade at the same Fort Worth school where she completed her teaching residency.
“It’s the biggest blessing,” she said. “I could not be more excited to officially begin my teaching career.”
Her advice to incoming Roach Honors students is to focus on what matters most to them.
“If you’re a Roach Honors student, you’re probably already a high achiever,” she said. “Take it one thing at a time and find the opportunities that truly fit your passions.”