Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2020
B.A., Child and Family Studies
Columbus, Ohio
Austin Armwood, a 2019 graduate and proud Titan alumnus, was hired as an INSPIRE teaching fellow at KIPP Academy in Columbus, Ohio, a nonprofit charter school focused on college prep. After completing his first teaching year in the kindergarten setting, Austin will move on to educating third graders in 2020.
Why did you choose Westminster College?
I chose Westminster College because of basketball. I would have never found out how great the campus and people were until I went on my first visit for basketball. It felt like home right away.
What have you been up to since graduation?
Since graduation, I’ve been teaching at KIPP Columbus. I taught kindergarten my first year and I coached JV and varsity basketball as well. In my free time I enjoy working out, hanging out with my friends and watching basketball.
How well did Westminster prepare you for your career?
Westminster prepared me so much for my career. I felt like my professors were my family. They looked out for me and also pushed me to be the best educator I could be. They truly made me believe in myself and helped me be ready for anything that might come my way in my classroom.
How would you describe the level of academics you experienced during your time at Westminster College?
Westminster was very challenging at times. There were times that I felt like I couldn’t do it, but the campus is your family and everyone supports you in your lowest and highest moments.
What internships or student research projects did you conduct during your time at Westminster?
During my time at Westminster I participated in many internships and student research projects. My favorite was, by far, my time spent mentoring New Castle High School students with the Lawrence County Mentoring Program. It was truly amazing. I also enjoyed working with the Bright Futures Camp over the summers.
Which Westminster professors influenced you the most and why?
Each and every one of my education professors influenced me inside and outside of the classroom tremendously. I was influenced by Dr. Amy Camardese, Mrs. Diana Reed, Dr. Sararose Lynch and many more just because of how much they cared for us and wanted us to be the best educators and people we could be. I am truly inspired by them every day.
Did you participate in any organizations or activities when you were a student?
I was a four-year basketball player and a three-year starter. In addition, I participated in the Black Student Union, the Lawrence County Mentoring Program and I was a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative.
What makes the Westminster College experience unique?
Westminster is unique because it is an all-around family. Everyone is on the same mission every day—to better the lives of others. That’s the way everyone should live and that’s why Westminster is so special.
What significant life lesson did you learn at Westminster?
I learned that I can do anything. I wasn’t accepted into a few schools that I applied to before Westminster. However, Westminster gave me a chance and I excelled and enjoyed every minute of it.
Why should a prospective student consider coming to Westminster College?
It is a home away from home. Westminster is a true hidden gem. The people at Westminster College care about you and want you to succeed—and that’s all you need in a great college.
Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice would you give to yourself on that first day on campus?
Be spontaneous and know that everything will be okay.
To learn more about Westminster’s Child and Family Studies major, please visit www.westminster.edu/childandfamilystudies.