Kate Stonefoot
Hometown: Fredonia, NY
Graduate Program: M.Ed. in Secondary Education in Biology, Donovan Urban Scholars
Undergraduate Institution: Binghamton University
Major: Biology
Work Experience: Horticulturist at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Morton Arboretum

1.) What attracted you to the Lynch School?
I knew I wanted to go to a school that would provide me with the best education as well as a school that had ideals and goals that matched my own. After doing some research, I began to feel connected to the Lynch School and it's mission to "improve the human condition through education." The extra emphasis placed on social justice was something that was missing in many of the other programs I looked at. The decision process was made a lot easier after I attended the Spring Open House. I knew that I was impressed with the Lynch School, but when I came to the Open House and listened to the various speakers and met some of the Lynch staff my decision was made for me.

2.) How would you describe your experience at Lynch?
Trying to describe my experience at the Lynch School in words is at times difficult. I would say that overall my experience has been very rewarding. I have welcomed the opportunity to learn from my professors, my fellow classmates, and my high school students. I think I am creating a solid foundation of knowledge upon which I will continue to build my skills as a teacher.

3.) How did you go about seeking funding at the Lynch School?
Funding was an extremely important consideration in my grad school search. At first, the funding questions seemed almost too big to deal with. It had been six years since I completed my undergraduate degree and I still had a large number of loans that I was paying off. These loans mixed with the fear of no longer having a steady paycheck were always lingering in the back of my mind when I considered the decision to come back to school. Some of these concerns were addressed when I attended the Open House and began to learn about the different opportunities for various loans and scholarships. I also found the staff in the Office of Graduate Admission to be extremely helpful. I will always remember the day I received a phone call from the Director of Admission and Financial Aid when he informed me I would receive the funding that would allow me to come to Boston College and start my program at the Lynch School of Education. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of relief and excitement for the adventure I was about to begin.