Picture Yourself Here: Peyton Hughes

Education major Peyton Hughes always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her studies and instructors at Kalamazoo Valley have helped to solidify her plan to become an elementary teacher.

Hughes, a Mattawan High School graduate, came to Kalamazoo Valley because of the quick commute from home and because tuition and fees are so affordable.

"I love my classes," she said. "It's been very easy to figure out that this is definitely what I want to do. The instructors are so helpful and open. Because it's such a small class, the instructor has time to get to know students."

In addition to her studies on campus, Hughes has been placed in a pre-internship with Kalamazoo Public Schools where she has been able to work in the classroom with students in several different grades. "My teacher is very encouraging," she said. "I know I'm on the right path."