Meet undergraduate student employee Mirka Zhagui
In this Q & A, junior Mirka Zhagui talks about life experiences that led her to choose the early and elementary education track in ICD’s early childhood BS program. She also discusses her dual roles within ICD as a research assistant and a student worker who helps students, staff, and faculty with their needs. Finally, she looks forward to her career goals for the next five years.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a third-year student majoring in early and elementary education with a minor in racial justice in urban schooling. I was born and raised in Ecuador and moved to Minnesota when I was 10 years old. I am bilingual; my first language is Spanish, and my second language is English. In my free time, I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my family and friends. My family is very competitive, and we all enjoy doing sports. During summer, most of our afternoons are spent either playing volleyball or soccer in our backyard. The fun twist is that whoever loses must pay for everyone's ice cream.
How did you discover early childhood education, and why did you select early and elementary education as your major?
I was introduced to early childhood education through a work-study internship in high school. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I was assigned to a bilingual preschool, where I enjoyed working with the students, assisting with activities, and witnessing their developmental milestones. However, at the time, I knew I wanted to work with children and go into the field of education, but didn't know what major specifically. So, when I started my first year of college here at the University of Minnesota, my advisor from CEHD introduced me to the early childhood education major and explained how it would allow me to work with children in various ways.
I decided to major in early childhood education out of a passion for supporting students learning a second language and helping all children with their education. As a former student of English as a second language (ESL) without anyone to share my experiences and struggles with, I felt inspired to pursue this field. I want to support students facing similar challenges by being someone they can confide in and share their feelings with. Having navigated the difficulties of learning a new language without guidance, I want to be a resource for students facing similar experiences. My goal is to connect with students, offering them both educational support and someone they can speak with in the language they feel most comfortable with.
What has been your favorite class so far and why?
My favorite classes so far have been CI 3211: Introduction to Elementary Education and CI 3212: Field Experience: Elementary Teaching. In CI 3212, I got to complete my field experience in a kindergarten classroom and had the opportunity to work with kindergarteners and an amazing cooperating teacher. During my four months there, I interacted with students, supported them in learning their skills, and overall got to know each student. Additionally, I worked with three English language learners, and on my first day, my cooperating teacher informed me that these three students spoke Spanish. I was able to speak Spanish with them, and I remember the first time I spoke with them in Spanish—their little faces lit up with smiles and surprise. These moments with students and being able to communicate with them in either language reminded me of why I chose this major.
Tell us about your work as a research assistant.
I work with Anne Larson and support her research. Our team is currently working on a project called VALI (Video and App-Based Language Instruction). This initiative is an asynchronous, app-based coaching intervention designed for Latine caregivers. The primary aim of our research and intervention is to provide caregivers with strategies that promote communication and to enhance their use of naturalistic language interventions with young children who have or are at risk for language delays.
As a student worker, what can students, staff, or faculty come to you for help with?
Students can come to me if they have questions or would like recommendations for classes in early childhood education. Additionally, staff or faculty can seek my help with any project they may need assistance with. I am a person who enjoys supporting people with various projects, from being creative to organizing. In general, I enjoy helping with different projects because it allows me to grow my skills and learn new ones.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I think this is a tough question. In the next year, I see myself completing my bachelor’s degree in early education. Then, in the coming years, I see myself completing my master’s degree in early childhood education and obtaining my teaching license, achieving another significant goal in my life. Additionally, in the next five years, I envision not only working with children but also advocating for them and promoting inclusive and culturally representative classrooms. It's important for students to not only gain their education and develop their skills but also see their cultures reflected, understood, and valued. Ultimately, my goal is to create a learning environment where students feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to share their identities in a diverse and welcoming space.