Study Abroad Student Aims to Excel as Physics Teacher
He may have had the time of his life while studying abroad, but this student never lost sight of his lifelong dream of teaching high school physics. Andrew Palmer, a senior from West Chester, Pennsylvania, is currently pursuing his degree in physics with a teaching option and a minor in mathematics. Aside from fulfilling his goal of becoming a teacher, Andy came to Penn State determined to study abroad and was accepted to the National University of Ireland in Galway for the 2009 spring semester.
“Ireland was my choice because the language is English, and it has rich culture,” Andy said.
While abroad, Andy completed courses to meet his physics major and some general education requirements to learn more about the history and culture of his host country, Ireland. In addition to classes, he frequently traveled within and outside of Ireland.
“While in Europe, I really did not hold back,” he said, “I experienced everything I could, and I enjoyed every second of it. There are so many benefits to being a student when traveling. I just wanted to see the world, which I did.”
Andy said that although his traveling experiences were truly awesome, his favorite part about his study abroad experience was making Galway into his home. He organized his apartment exactly how he wanted it, cooked his own food, and even found his own church. He said between his congregation and neighbors, he met people from across the globe. He said, “The range of nationalities opened my eyes to how big the world is.”
Although Galway became a home to Andy, his Penn State home was waiting for him to return in order to start his teaching career. Andy said he has a goal - to be able to show his own students that science can be related to life itself.
“Science is a way of thinking,” he said, “The scientific method of hypothesis, experiment, and analysis can be applied outside of science.” He believes teaching physics should be interactive, and instead of telling or showing his students about physics, he wants a classroom where students can do physics. “Rather than physics being some abstract, outside of the classroom jet plane dropping a package, I want it to be an in-class experience where kids can learn it at their fingertips,” he said.
Andrew enjoys teaching because of the “aha moment,” when a student might be stumped on a concept but after explaining it in a different way, it finally clicks, and he can see it on their faces. “When that moment of comprehension comes, I’m like ‘what a good day,’” Andrew said, “That moment seals the deal.”
In addition to student teaching this semester at Hollidaysburg High School, Andy serves as the president of a Christian a cappella group called Grace Notes; vice president of Staters, a group that encourages campus-wide recycling; vice president of a community service special living option; a member on the council of Lionhearts, a group of student service leaders; a participant in Habitat for Humanity, Circle K, and Student Red Cross; and an Eagle Scout.