Sheyanne S. Smith (English, ‘18; Master's of Arts in Teaching, ‘19), has recently been honored with the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Master's and Specialist Award. This achievement serves as the latest milestone in Smith's first-generation student journey of academic excellence and her unwavering commitment to using education as a tool of opportunity.
The NAGC Master's and Specialist Award is presented to educators who have demonstrated outstanding teaching abilities and have made significant contributions to enhancing knowledge about and fostering positive classroom and community environments.
Smith faced daunting challenges as a first-generation college student from rural Ohio. Her determination to pursue higher education was not merely for her own benefit, but to break generational cycles of poverty and adversity, providing hope and opportunity to all students.
Smith completed her undergraduate degree in English and a minor in Education at Belmont in 2018. She furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Master's of Arts in Teaching in 2019 and now serves as the High Ability Learning Specialist for the Office of Teaching, Learning & Assessment at the Nebraska Department of Education.
Reflecting on her journey, Smith shared, "In a funny way, my lack of positive experiences in school drew me to education. I saw so much unmet potential and systemic disservice to students, and I wanted to change it. So much of student development is chance, and I wanted to be the person I needed when I was in school."
Her former professor, Dr. Sally Barton-Arwood, Professor of Education at the College of Education, added her perspective on Smith's journey, saying, "Sheyanne's journey from a first-generation college student to a recipient of the prestigious NAGC Master's and Specialist Award is a testament to her remarkable dedication and passion for education. Despite obstacles, she has excelled academically and dedicated herself to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all students. Her story embodies the transformative power of education, and we are immensely proud of her."
Belmont played a pivotal role in her life's transformation. "Being a student at Belmont University undoubtedly changed my life in a way that is hard to put into words," Smith remarked. "I finally felt like I belonged and that I was heard."
Smith encourages aspiring educators and wants other first generation college students to know “they can do anything.”
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