Michelle Pitoscia

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Name: Michelle Pitoscia                                               

Hometown: Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Year in School: Senior                                   

Major: Elementary Education

Michelle lives in Murrells Inlet

Michelle's Video

In a society where more college students are passing on a teaching career, CCU senior Michelle Pitoscia is chasing one. The senior from Murrells Inlet is enrolled in the Spadoni College of Education for a major reason.

“I really want to become a teacher to make a difference and help build this next generation of doctors, lawyers and even more teachers,” Michelle explains.

In fact, Michelle is so passionate about making a difference that she wants to become as qualified as possible in the shortest amount of time. The New Jersey native will complete the Degree in Three program this May and then transition directly into the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Technology program. Before you know it, Michelle will be leading a local classroom with an advanced degree in her back pocket. How about that for a #CCUPositiveImpact?

“Coastal has definitely given me the opportunities to grow as a leader and I know that is going to help me become a teacher-leader in the classroom,” Michelle says.

In addition to her growth within the Spadoni College of Education, Michelle has built her leadership skills by serving as Tri Sigma’s vice president for new member education and by becoming involved with Coastal Carolina Catholics. Describing herself as caring, Michelle takes the initiative to help those around her who might be going through a tough time, becoming as involved as necessary.

With her final semester as an undergraduate now underway, Michelle wants to focus on improving her teaching skills and building her confidence in the classroom. We wish her the best as she completes this current Coastal chapter and look forward to her starting the new one in June.

 

Michelle is a senior.

Q&A with Michelle

How did you hear about Coastal?: My sister attended Coastal and graduated in 2013. My parents and I moved down to Murrells Inlet from New Jersey during her freshman year, so I was involved in some of the campus activities during her time here.

Why did you come to Coastal?: I knew that I wanted to major in education, and after doing my research, I felt that Coastal had one of the best education programs in the state.

Favorite professor: I have had many great professors, but Cathy Scott, Ph.D., in the Elementary Education Program has had a huge impact on my success so far at Coastal.

Favorite class: It’s really hard to pick a favorite class. I have loved all of my classes that have allowed me to be in the schools and working with kids. That’s such a vital part of being an education major, and it’s the main reason I continued with this major.

Favorite aspect of Coastal?: I love the size of the University. It’s big, but not so big that it is overwhelming to me. I have made so many lifelong friends during my time at Coastal, and they have truly made my college experience so enjoyable.

Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: I like being near the beach and also being close enough to Charleston that you could easily take a day trip.

Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: I am a sister of Tri Sigma, a member of Kappa Delta Pi (the education honors society), and I am also very involved with Coastal Carolina Catholics.

Plans after graduation?: Right after graduation in May, I am going on a 2 ½ week trip to Italy with my sister and my best friend. After that, I will be starting the Spadoni College’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Technology program in June.             

What are your hobbies?: I like to paint, even though I only have very basic skills.

Do you have any hidden talents?: I don’t know if I would consider this a hidden talent, but I did ballet for 14 years before I came to college.

Bonus Info: I am a Degree in Three student, as well as a South Carolina Teaching Fellow.

 

Michelle is studying elementary education.