From International Student to Global Educator [Student Spotlight]

How an international student found a home away from home and brought her global perspective to elementary education 

For Kacy Dabbs, Panama still feels like home. After spending most of her childhood at an international school there, she knew pursuing her teaching dreams would lead her to the United States. 

"I loved every bit of it," Dabbs said of her life in Panama. "But after graduation, I knew that the path I wanted to pursue would likely be better supported through education in the United States." 

After visiting several colleges in Tennessee with her parents, Belmont stood out. "When I chose Belmont, I knew it was the right place for me," Dabbs said. 

The transition challenged the elementary education major. "Coming back to America felt like moving to a whole new place, but I knew very little about life in the U.S.," Dabbs said. "I spent that first year in college on my own." 

Homesickness hit hardest during Parent & Family Weekend when her family couldn't travel from Panama. But Dabbs found support through new friendships. "I found an amazing group of friends who looked out for me," she said. "I even spent Thanksgiving with one friend's family, and she remains one of my closest friends to this day." 

The College of Education became her second family. "Being an international student in the College of Education has been a huge blessing," Dabbs said. "The community and friendships I've built over the years are incredible." 

Small moments made big impacts. "I remember meeting our dean for the first time, worried that I'd just blend in with the crowd, but he remembered my name," Dabbs said. "Every time we cross paths, he greets me by name and checks in, which means so much." 

Now a junior with a psychology minor, Dabbs helps incoming freshmen through Towering Traditions as a student leader on the 2025 Orientation Council. Her own challenging transition inspired this role. 

"I know what it feels like to be far from home or feel like you don't fully fit in," Dabbs said. "The main reason I'm involved is because I care. I want to be there as a support system for others, whether as a friend, a listener or just a familiar face on campus." 

This spirit of support shapes her teaching philosophy. Currently pursuing K-5 teaching licensure with plans to add pre-K certification, Dabbs focuses on early childhood education. 

"I believe those early years are some of the most formative," Dabbs said. "I want my students to feel nurtured and cared for. I want them to have a positive school experience that sets them up for success and fills their childhood with good memories because school is where they spend so much of their time." 

Looking ahead, Dabbs plans to pursue a master's degree and certification as a child life specialist. "I'm drawn to the idea of working closely with children and families in a different capacity," she said. "The child life profession seems like a meaningful way to do that."