Rebecca Robinson ’15 is passionate about education. Not only hers, but that of others. Robinson has taught in Hong Kong, worked alongside Whittier faculty at Broadoaks Children's School and is an ambassador for the Whittier College chapter of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP.) Her dedication in the classroom and field experience has secured her a spot in one of the top graduate programs in the country.
This last spring, Robinson was one of six Whittier College students to assist with Victoria Educational Organisation (VEO) VEO’s English language abroad program as part of the program’s new Practicum Center for English-speaking students in Hong Kong.
During her experience abroad, Robinson gained a multicultural perspective on learning. “Teaching in Hong Kong allowed me to gain experience working with children who come from a different culture and are English language learners,” said Robinson. “The skills I developed in Hong Kong will help me in my future teaching career because most classrooms have students with diverse backgrounds and needs. This [experience] became the foundation for my passion for teaching.”
Robinson notes that upon transferring from University of California, Irvine she was attracted to Whittier College’s child development program. “I chose Whittier College because of the small class sizes and the on-site lab at neighboring Broadoaks elementary school.”
Professor of Education and Child Development Judith Wagner has been Robinson’s great supporter through her Whittier education.
“I have had the pleasure of learning from Judith in several classes and she has become an important mentor to me,” said Robinson. “She was my professor in preparation for my month-long teaching practicum in Hong Kong. Judith introduced me to children's rights advocacy through OMEP and this has strengthened my passion to become an elementary school teacher who is committed to social justice.”
As a part of OMEP, Robinson learned about the many needs of children locally and globally. This organization gave Robinson of the perfect platform to promote awareness of children's causes to the Whittier community. “We host an annual film screening and an annual Jog-A-Thon each spring,” said Robinson. “The Jog-A-Thon serves as a fundraiser and involves every student at Broadoaks Children's School and many Whittier College students. Every year we choose charities to donate to who serve local, national, and international populations.”
As treasurer of OMEP, Robinson had the opportunity to be a keynote speaker during the 66th annual OMEP World Assembly and International Conference held in Cork, Ireland last summer. “This trip enabled me to learn from and network with professionals from around the world, and I hope to return to the conference many times in my future,” said Robinson.
“When I graduate and leave Whittier, the things I will miss most are the companionship of my friends and the mentorship and support of my professors. My advice to future Poets is to keep yourself organized and working toward a goal (or several!). You determine your own potential and your future, so take charge.”
Robinson will continue her passion for advancing child advocacy and education starting this June at Stanford University where she will pursue a master’s in education and a multiple subject teaching credential.
