The Stage is Set
Whether it’s acting, singing, or giving a speech, Jenna Pool feels right at home on a stage.
It’s been that way for most of her life, and is a big reason why her journey brought her to Midland University, where she could excel in all the Arts.
“I’ve done just about every form of the Arts. I started dancing when I was three, and once I got into middle school, I started focusing more on theatre, choir, and speech. I love the fact I’ve been able to continue doing all those things at Midland, and that was a big factor for me choosing to come here. I love the adrenaline rush I get from performing, and it brings me so much joy.”
Now in her senior season, the Secondary Education major from Waverly, Nebraska, is transitioning from being the performer to teaching others how to perform. Part of her education degree involves a theatre endorsement, and she hopes it will parlay into a future career as a theatre teacher.
“When I first started thinking about my future plans, I knew I loved performing, but that was going to be a really hard career path. I had amazing teachers in high school, and one in particular made me realize that teaching is what I wanted to do. I love the way he connected with students, and I want to be able to do that for other students.”
She learned about Midland through a former professor (Julie Grieves) with whom she was taking voice lessons with. Once she got to campus, she quickly realized Midland was unique. “I saw how amazing the campus community was and how everyone seemed to know each other. At a big school, you get lost in the crowd, and the professors don’t know who you are. I got to visit with so many talented people in the education department, and I knew this was a community I wanted to be a part of.”
Jenna will begin student teaching in the spring in the Fremont High School English department with Stacey Smith. While she looks forward to new adventures, it is a bittersweet moment as she leaves behind cherished moments at Midland.
“Dr. Smith is an amazing teacher, and I am excited to work with her. My time at Midland has gone so fast, and it feels like it was yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorm. I just finished my last show, and it was nice having those last bows, but it’s sad to know that was my final show. I have had so many great experiences at Midland, and the people I have met are amazing.”
As she searches for a permanent teaching position next fall, Jenna is hoping to land somewhere she can continue to pursue her Masters degree. Her long-term goal is to travel to Japan and teach English. “It would be a great opportunity to travel and be able to do something I love in teaching.”
Jenna Pool is a senior Secondary Education major from Waverly, Nebraska.
