91探花

June 28, 2013

A Day in the Life: Dawn Tuason

If the 91探花 were a swimming pool, Dawn Tuason has not only swam the length of it, she鈥檚 swam the width of it as well.

Involved in service, research, and scholarship, Dawn exemplifies the potential of a 91探花undergraduate experience like no other. Throughout her time as an undergraduate, Dawn has been a mentor and student leader in the Dream Project; she鈥檚 presented in the Undergraduate Research Symposium; she鈥檚 been involved in the Pipeline Project; she works at the front desk of the Center for Undergraduate Advising, Diversity, and Student Success; and more. She鈥檚 discovered a passion for early childhood education and has truly embraced all that the 91探花has to offer. Dawn just graduated and will begin her master鈥檚 degree in the 91探花College of Education next fall.

Here鈥檚 a glimpse at a typical day for Dawn.

5 a.m.

As a commuter student from Renton, I wake up bright and early to start my emails to the various groups I鈥檓 a part of on campus.

5:30 a.m.

I grab breakfast, make some tea, and take careful preparation in getting dressed because as a college student, looking windswept and rushed is almost too easy. If it鈥檚 Monday, I even wear heels. At 5鈥�11鈥�, I鈥檓 a powerhouse but I need the extra courage (aka the height) to get up in front of nearly 400 undergrads as a class facilitator for the .

Public speaking is鈥�an acquired taste. One I鈥檓 still learning how to do, but I know that someday, a student will see me and know that it鈥檚 possible for them to be just as courageous and trust that the support will be there to learn how to! I believe in doing something that scares me but will challenge me and change me for the better, in order to show others they can do it too.

6:00 a.m.

I鈥檓 on the road, stuck in traffic with the windows up singing at the top of my lungs to any kind of music currently on rotation. This week, it鈥檚 music from Bizet鈥檚 opera, Carmen, and the musical Wicked. I鈥檓 heading to my yoga, weight lifting, or spin class. Exercise is easier if you just get it over with first thing in the morning.

7:35 a.m.

I鈥檓 off to work at the . As a student associate, I greet students; answer phone calls, and make the atmosphere a generally positive place. Anywhere from scheduling advising appointments, to best places to grab coffee on campus, I鈥檓 there to support undergraduate students.

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

I鈥檓 in a blur of classes and snacking my lunch throughout the day. This quarter I鈥檓 taking my second year of American Sign Language, my global health class for my minor in global health, and since I鈥檓 majoring in early childhood and family studies, I take two to three courses involving early childhood development, psychology, and service learning. Service learning requires me to gain field experience with the population I鈥檓 intending to work with after I graduate. This year, I鈥檓 excited to volunteer and work with 1-2 year old toddlers close to campus. Incorporating my knowledge of American Sign Language, global health, and education not just into my daily routine, but to my future endeavors is something I get by staying connected through the services that UAA offers.

1:30-2:30 p.m.

I visit the , the first department I ever connected with as an undergrad. I鈥檝e participated in the Alternative Spring Break program, the , the which is a support network for students interested in research and graduate school as supported through the , the , and the . This year, I鈥檓 utilizing the in pursuit of funding for my graduate studies. I鈥檓 excited to see where life takes me next, but having access to financial and mentor support is fundamental to my success and I know they offer that at the center ten-fold.

2:30-6 p.m.

If I鈥檓 not in a weekly lecture around this time, I鈥檓 back as a student associate at the advising office. It鈥檚 usually slow around 4 p.m. so I get to take a break at the front desk and do some homework as I wait for the evening shift to begin.

6-7:30 p.m.

My Dream Project co-lead and I prep for our upcoming lecture and think of ways to engage our class, which allows us to critically think about how we can best support not just our high school students but ourselves as mentors outside of and within the high schools we serve.

8 p.m.

After a full day of running around, it鈥檚 nice to release some pent up energy and head to my Zumba classes. I love to dance and move across the dance floor for one and a half glorious hours of fluid and flexible freedom.

9:30 p.m.

I get home in time to watch my weekly TV dramas on Hulu, work on any homework or graduate school applications that I didn鈥檛 finish during my occasional breaks between classes, and have some peace and quiet to end my night!

Congratulations, Dawn Tuason, 2013 91探花graduate!