Chelsea Graf
Major: History
Graduate Program: Preliminary Teaching Credential Single-Subject
Where do you live and work now?
I live in Oxnard, California, and am a full-time teacher at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula. I teach 7th and 8th grade history and one 8th grade behavior/at-risk class.
How are you furthering your education? What’s your end goal?
I have begun my Masters in Teacher Leadership at Cal Lutheran. However, I have taken the rest of this school year off to focus on my first year of teaching. I am planning on researching the effects of how healthy, trusting, and encouraging relationships between teachers and students promotes student success.
How did Cal Lutheran prepare you for your current path?
I chose Cal Lutheran because of their teaching credential program. However, I also fell into place in the history program for my undergraduate degree. I knew I would be at home and comfortable with my major and the people the moment I had my first academic advising appointment with Dr. Reaves. She made me feel at home and provided me with the tools I needs to graduate on time and successfully.
While at Cal Lutheran, I was challenged in many ways to push my limits academically and reach higher heights. The history program was one of the hardest things I have ever accomplished, but I graduated in time and with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The credential program was the next hardest thing I have ever done. But, at the end of it all, I felt more confident entering the classroom than I would have felt in any other program. I would not be as successful had I chosen another university that does not take the time to get to know the students and propel them/challenge them towards success.
Was faculty mentorship an integral part of your education?
Faculty mentorship was a huge part of my success story. There were many hours that I spent in Dr. Reaves’ office planning, venting, modifying, and even crying in my undergrad years. She was also the most challenging teacher I had at Cal Lutheran. I could not have done it without her. I would not be as prepared as I am today without her guidance.
What advice would you give to history majors?
My first piece of advice: GET INVOLVED! I went to every event on campus and became a peer advisor. I transferred in and commuted both years, but I made my life-long friends in those two years and built some great memories.
Second piece of advice: Build a great relationship with your faculty advisor, and meet with them as much as possible. And if Dr. Reaves is not your advisor, meet her! You need her in your life. We called her “the walking encyclopedia in four-inch heels.”
Third piece of advice: Go to the Writing Center — with EVERY paper. Meet with the DAs; they are there to help you. The more eyes on your paper, the better. And utilize the library. It’s beautiful, it’s peaceful, and there are so many resources there.
Finally: Study in groups if you like that. There are rooms in the library you can use, and studying with other people will help you remember the content, and you will continue to build relationships with your peers.
How do you stay connected as a Cal Lutheran alumna?
I made some of my best friends at Cal Lutheran and I either meet with them regularly or call them often. I have been traveling during the Homecoming events, but I’m planning on going next year. I have also been to a few alumni events that the school puts on for our class year. But I mostly just stay in contact with the friends that I made during my time there.
