Trenton Terry '24
Trenton Terry ’24 combined his interests in biology and desire to teach into a job as he returned to his hometown of Kewanee, Illinois. However, he had to do more than study education and biology to feel empowered to change the world as a high school biology teacher.
Selected to represent the Class of 2024 at Commencement, Terry reflected on his initial impressions of his liberal arts education when he said, “I originally believed that I had no business taking courses outside of my discipline. Reflecting now, I have come to realize that classes, such as creative expression and communication, have made me that much more able to fulfill my future career goals.”
Terry credits his success to the opportunities and supportive community at Illinois College. His role as an involvement leader helped him develop classroom management skills and foster connections with peers and incoming students. He particularly appreciated the mentorship from professors like Bryan Arnold and Lawrence Zettler, who enriched his understanding of biology and prepared him for teaching. “I can confidently say all students have numerous professors we have been able to make genuine connections with. They continuously work hard to push us to our limits and achieve whatever we wish.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Terry emphasized the welcoming environment and personalized attention he received, stating, “You don’t just feel like a number. It’s a gratifying feeling when you can walk around campus and almost guarantee that you will run into several people you know in a matter of minutes.”