Profile: Dewanna Guill

Recipient of Pearl M. Wright Award

Graduate of Colerain High School,
now studying elementary education and Spanish at UC


Dewana, a resident of Colerain Township, is the first recipient of the College of Education's Pearl M. Wright Award, which provides a year of financial support to an education senior who demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the lives of children. The Pearl M. Wright award, named in the memory of an alumna from UC's College of Education who dedicated her career to benefitting children, is considered one of the largest undergraduate merit awards at any public university in the United States. Dewana was selected from 78 senior education majors who were eligible for the award. She's working as a third grade teaching associate at Struble Elementary School.

I came to UC because
I didn't want to go to a school far away. Also, my sister attended UC, so I had already heard good things about the school.

The best part about being a student here
There are all kinds of opportunities, all kinds of different educational programs. I find that the further I go into my program, the more I find out about these great opportunities.

My best memory at the university
The night I found out I had received the Pearl M. Wright Award. I got a call from Professor Arlene Mitchell who told me I was the recipient and congratulated me. I'll never forget that night.

How UC has challenged me to grow
The professors are not like teachers in high school. They're not on top of you all the time to do your work. I found I have to push myself. I have to become responsible for my own educational endeavors. I've always been responsible, but I'm even more responsible now than I was in high school. I'm more goal oriented, and I know where I'm going.

Who, here, has made the biggest difference in my life
I'd say that's one of my fellow students. Emily Seitz and I have a secret competition. We're always trying to outdo each other in our Spanish classes, which pushes me to do better. I've shared classes with Emily the past two-and-a-half years.

What's after graduation
I plan to get my Arts and Sciences degree June 9 and my degree in teaching in 2001. Once I get my teaching degree, I'd like to teach summer school and immediately start full time the next fall. Otherwise, I'll work as a substitute teacher. I plan to stay in this area, and I'd like to stay in the Northwest School District where I'm working now.