Photo courtesy of Emma Stiener.

“It’s been a dream of mine for forever,” Emma says, still in disbelief that it’s actually happening. 

Emma Stiener is a soon-to-be graduate with a heart full of passion for both education and creating magical experiences. 

After years of dedication to her education and love for working with children, Emma has been accepted into the Disney College Program, a competitive opportunity to work at the most magical place on earth.

“I love creating positive experiences and magical moments for kids in my classroom, and I can’t wait to do that at Disney,” says Emma.

Although she doesn’t yet know her specific role at Disney World, she hopes to bring her background in elementary education to life in a role that allows her to create meaningful experiences for children. 

Finding Her Passion in Elementary Education

Emma’s path toward pursuing a degree in elementary education didn’t come from a singular moment, but rather a multitude of experiences that shaped her love for working with kids. 

“So many things inspired me,” she says, reflecting on her journey. 

It all began when she started teaching dance during her sophomore year of high school, an experience that sparked her love for teaching and connecting with younger kids. “I absolutely loved it, and that’s when I started to consider education as a possible major,” she explains.

Her interest grew more during her senior year of high school when she took an Intro to Education course at a local community college, which included practicum hours in a second-grade classroom. 

This hands-on experience confirmed her desire to pursue education in college. “I had so many amazing elementary teachers growing up, and I wanted to make a difference for kids the way they did for me,” she says.

For Emma, a crucial moment in her education journey was shaped by her fifth-grade teacher, someone who embodied the values of support, encouragement, and relationship-building. 

“She was always so supportive, and she understood the importance of building relationships with students,” Emma recalls. 

After being in her class, Emma was invited to help set up the classroom for the next year’s students. “I loved doing small things like writing name tags or organizing supplies. It gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how a classroom comes together,” she says. 

That experience left a lasting impression on Emma and gave her a dream of becoming an educator at a young age.

Student Teaching: A Rewarding Experience

As Emma approaches the final stretch of her college chapter, one experience stands out as the most rewarding, her journey through student teaching. 

“It’s the culmination of everything I’ve learned, and I love being able to see the day-to-day of what goes on in a classroom,” she says. 

From planning fun activities to connecting with her students, Emma finds joy in the work she does. “I’ve absolutely loved my entire student teaching experience!”

One memorable moment that stands out was when Emma’s mentor teacher got engaged in April. “The kids and I had the best time coming up with ways to celebrate her!” Emma recalls. 

Reflecting on College Life

As graduation comes near, Emma finds herself reflecting on her college experience. “It’s absolutely crazy! I feel like I just started college,” she says. 

The past four years have flown by, and while it’s bittersweet to leave behind the people and experiences that helped shape her, Emma is filled with gratitude for her time at SAU.

Throughout her college journey, Emma learned more than just academics; she learned about herself. 

“I’ve learned that I am much more capable than I give myself credit for,” she admits. College has taught her to step out of her comfort zone, increasing her self-confidence. 

Her advice to her freshman-year self? “Don’t take 18 credits in your first semester, and focus on finding joy in everyday moments,” says Emma.

A Dream Come True: The Disney College Program

One of the most exciting chapters in Emma’s life is her recent acceptance into the Disney College Program. “It’s been a dream of mine for forever,” she says, still in disbelief at the opportunity. 

Emma had always wanted to be a part of the program, but the timing never worked out until now. “As I was coming up on graduation, I realized I didn’t want to miss the chance,” she explains.

Although she doesn’t yet know her specific role, Emma is eager to bring her education background into the Disney experience, especially in roles that involve interacting with children. 

“I love creating positive experiences and magical moments for kids in my classroom, and I can’t wait to do that at Disney,” she says. 

Looking to the Future

As for what lies ahead, Emma is open to wherever her journey takes her. 

She envisions herself eventually teaching in a classroom, but is also excited about the opportunities her time at Disney may present. “I’m focusing on one experience at a time and seeing where that takes me,” she shares.

When asked where she sees herself in five years, Emma responds with optimism and an open mind. “I honestly don’t know. I’ve always pictured myself staying in the Quad Cities, maybe teaching, maybe doing something else. I trust that the future will figure itself out.”

Emma’s love for education, her passion for creating meaningful connections, and her excitement for new adventures are apparent in every aspect of her story. 

Whether she’s teaching in a classroom or making magic at Disney, Emma’s journey is just beginning, and she’s ready to take on whatever comes next with joy, excitement, and a heart full of gratitude. 

“Whatever I decide to do next, I just want to keep growing and learning new things,” she says. With her enthusiasm and dedication, there’s no doubt Emma will continue to inspire others, wherever life takes her.