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Student Voices
Chloe Blumenstein
- Hometown: Kingston, WA
- Majors: Special Education, Elementary Education
- Activities and Awards:
- Volunteer with Special Olympics
- Volunteer at Carl Cozier Elementary
- 2008-2009 Outstanding Graduate for Special Education Department
Why Western?
I knew I wanted to stay in Washington and that I would like to become a teacher. Western is known for its excellent teaching program, and I naturally wanted to learn from the best.
Important Life Lessons
I have become a much more confident, assertive, and self-advocating individual. The most important thing that I have learned during my time at Western is that there are no failures, only experiences from which to learn and make changes for the future.
Caring, Challenging Professors
The entire Special Education Department has shaped my experience at Western. I feel that I have been successful at Western not only because I have worked hard, but because I have learned within a supportive, challenging environment. The Special Education professors truly do want to see their students succeed and become exceptional teachers within the field.
Part of the Community
I love that I have had the opportunity to become a part of the greater Bellingham community through my volunteer work, practicum experiences, and internships in the Bellingham Public Schools. Getting to know the children, their families, and the employees has given me a greater understanding of this city and its community. Bellingham is my home and my experience at Western has become more memorable because I've put in the time and effort to move outside of the college community.
Life in Bellingham
I love that I can walk/bike/ride the bus pretty much anywhere I want to go. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to choose from for a great breakfast. Bellingham's location in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is perhaps its most redeeming quality. It's a relatively quiet and comfortable city where there are still plenty of fun things to do.
Outside the Classroom
I love to go for walks downtown or to Boulevard Park, ride my bike along the waterfront trail, spend time with friends, go out to eat (particularly breakfast!), read, cook/bake, make collage art, attend local music shows...
Life in Bellingham
This fall I will complete my second internship here in Bellingham at a local elementary school. After I finish this internship I plan to take some time to travel and substitute teach while I look for special education teaching positions in Washington.