MANSFIELD, PA—When a local educator reached out to the Mansfield University Field Experience Office for help during the final week of the semester, it seemed doubtful that a student would be available to meet their need. But Alexandra Phillips, a senior from Whitehall, PA, who was just completing her student teacher requirements, immediately volunteered to help. 
“Our students are hard-working young men and women who are passionate about making a positive difference in the world, even if it comes at a personal cost,” Christina Fry, director of Education Relations and Field Experience, said. “Ally Phillips is a great example of the quality students we have at Mansfield University.”
Despite completing her student teaching placement and the final paperwork required, completing her senior project, planning for graduation, applying for certification and preparing to move to Maine, where she has accepted a teaching position, Phillips offered her evenings to help a young student whom she had never met.
Clare, a fourth grade student from a local school district, took the initiative to learn sign language and needed help. Clare’s interest in learning sign language was motivated by her desire to help a peer in her class. In order to help her friend, 10-year-old Clare first needed to learn how to communicate using sign language.
“Clare is a great person to take this step,” Phillips said. “She has such a big heart. She has become this student’s friend and is now taking a big step to increase their ability to communicate. Clare’s actions have inspired me. I knew basic sign language but am now beginning to learn more. I have always wanted to learn more and this was a great opportunity to help someone else learn as well. When a person signs, it is important to be able to communicate using sign language. Sign language is a language.”
“The example of Ally Phillips is one to emulate,” Fry said. “Mansfield University students make positive contributions in their campus community each day, and they will graduate on May 13 and make a difference wherever life takes them. Best wishes, graduating class of 2017.”
To learn more about Education and Special Education at Mansfield, go to mansfield.edu/edspeced/