School gets out, and immediately students head to their cars, the buses, or gather into groups and discuss the day. Senior Morgan Ciota is not at ALHS, however. She is at Sibley Elementary School.
Ciota is working with the National Honor Society’s mentoring program. Principal Al Root told the National Honor Society about this opportunity, Ciota applied, and was accepted shortly thereafter.
Ciota tutors during eighth hour in Mrs. Sorensen’s fourth-grade classroom at Sibley Elementary school. She provides extra assistance with school work. She has been doing it all second semester.
“I like to help kids understand,” Ciota said. “It’s exciting to see them grasp a subject.”
Ciota had been wavering on her career decisions. She was considering going into elementary education, or possibly another field. She enjoys working with younger kids, which has helped her come to a decision.
“I’ve changed my major to elementary teaching,” Ciota said.
Ciota plans to attend Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa to pursue a degree in elementary education. She wishes to become an elementary teacher because of her passion for teaching and working with younger kids. To become an elementary school teacher, Ciota would have to complete elementary education professional courses, then spend some time as a student teacher.
With that future in mind Ciota continues to mentor at Sibley daily for an hour. She enjoys helping the students understand subjects and making an impact in their lives.
Ciota is involved with much more than just National Honor Society and its mentoring program. She was in the fall musical, choir, chorale and show choir. She’s also a dance team captain. On top of all that, she works part-time at Herberger’s. However, mentoring is special for Ciota.
“I’m really happy I was given this opportunity to help students in a fun and exciting way,” Ciota said.