Becca Winkler

Why did you choose Dalton State? Close to home

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? I am proud to say I am a Roadrunner. I do not take this title lightly. I encourage others to attend DSC when I present at conventions. I will encourage all my future students to attend DSC. I inform people of how affordable attending this institution can be. I have so many t-shirts from DSC. I could not have enough gear to show my school spirit. I will always be a Roadrunner and have hopes of returning throughout my career.

What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation I will hopefully be employed with a Whitfield County school. I will teach for one year, and then pursue my master’s in education or another specialty. I am going to determine what grade I will be teaching and prepare for my classroom.

Who is/was your favorite professor and why? My favorite professor is so hard to say, due to having many favorites. Some of my favorites include Dr. Lovely Mesco, Dr. Hart, Dr. Hixon, Ms. Johnson, Dr. Leslie Harrelson, and Dr. Jean Johnson. Each of these professors have helped shape my future. Each person has taught me more than they will ever realize and continue to teach me as I gain experience. I appreciate all of these different people in a variety of ways. I would not be the teacher I have become if not for their hard work with me and their impact that still stands.

What activities are you involved in on campus? On campus I have been involved in numerous educational events. I have worked on Power Lunches for three years, two of which I have been a leader. I have assisted with Learning Academies in three different schools and attended multiple field trips as a chaperone teacher per family. I have the honor of holding the title KDP President. KDP is an educational honor society, and I send emails, arrange events, host ceremonies, and create graduation luncheon for education majors. I help out with Family Literacy Night and was able to teach children with their families as we worked together.

What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? My biggest achievements are, passing admission GACE, working with Power Lunch for continuous years, working with Learning Academies, attending conferences, promoting DSC education program at a convention, becoming a member of KDP, making the dean’s list numerous times, working for DSC, attending workshops, attending ED Camp for two years, and helping with Family Literacy Nights.

What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? Dalton is a small town, and I have found I must venture out for excitement. I attend the movies, eat at the local restaurants, and attend local concerts when I can arrange it.

Where is your favorite study spot? My favorite study spot is sitting up on my bed with my work spread all around me and my computer in my lap. I prefer to be at home to study, but if I had a choice, I would find a cozy chair in the DSC library, wear some head phones, and begin my studying ritual there.

Where is your favorite hangout? My favorite hangout is the Brown building. I do not get to be there due to my schedule, so it is a treat when I can walk around and say hello to everyone. I always felt so safe and secure in the Brown building while working.

What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? My best memory is tied. I treasure presenting at the Dalton Convention Center for the Chamber of Commerce. I also love that I was chosen to present at the TNTESOL conference with faculty members on an overnight trip. Both moments have enlightened my life and perspectives.

Favorite comfort food? Popcorn and ranch seasoning. I can eat my weight in popcorn.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”

Favorite line from a movie? “There is no try, only do.”

What is your guilty pleasure? Watching reality tv that drives my husband nuts. Do not laugh ladies; you know you do this to.

What do you feel most proud of? The person I have become over the last two years of my life.

What cheers you up? Watching anything with actress Melissa McCarthy.

What is your favorite book? I have many favorite books, but due to my career choice it would be “Flotsam.”

Who is your hero? My mother, and she has dressed up at Halloween to prove she is a superhero not just mine.

What is your favorite childhood memory? Having a pool party and using our beverages to die our hair. We were not teenagers yet, so this was a big deal.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? I would love to meet Marilyn Monroe, I think if she could have discussed her sadness with others outcome might have changed.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a prosecuting attorney. This path did not pan out, due to getting married at 19, among other signs.

As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? In my situation, it is “Teach Boldly” What does that mean to me? Teach with every fiber of my being. Rise above others by my teaching actions. Take chances that others are afraid to take. Make everything a teaching moment, and above everything inspire others to teach. Each department has its own way of seeing Run Boldly, and I run boldly by teaching boldly!