Lauren Sommerfeld, ’25, has dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was in second grade. “The thing that makes the most sense to me is education,” she said. “I’m fascinated by how people learn and how to teach people.”
An education major and member of the golf team, Sommerfeld had the opportunity to help guide and connect with grade-school students while volunteering at the South Carolina Science Olympiad, a state tournament in which middle- and high-school students compete in interscholastic academic events in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, problem solving and technology.
Sommerfeld assisted with an event called Flight, where teams launched free-flight model airplanes they had spent months building and testing. As each team carefully launched its plane, hoping to win with lengthy flight times, Sommerfeld recorded their progress and offered encouragement when students struggled. “It’s cool to see what kids are like in this generation,” said Sommerfeld. “They are very smart with coding, STEM and robotics. It’s incredible.”
Sommerfeld is no stranger to service work. The rising senior volunteered as a Summer SUCCEED fellow in 2022, teaching art to students who had struggled with remote learning during the COVD-19 pandemic. “I fell in love with community service,” said Sommerfeld. “I have the time. I have the will. Why not volunteer?”
For Sommerfeld, volunteering is more than just a way to give back; it’s a way to prepare to meet the needs of students from all walks of life. “Education is all about different perspectives,” said Sommerfeld, “and volunteering is a doorway to encountering students representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.”
Sommerfeld plans to pursue a master’s degree in literacy at The Citadel Graduate College, and it should come as no surprise that the Ohio native wants to stick around. “The Citadel keeps giving me field experience opportunities, opportunities to represent the Zucker Family School of Education, volunteering opportunities to get hands-on learning,” said Sommerfeld. “They keep on giving.”