Brianna Spinelli

Brianna Spinelli is an Elementary Education major. She entered Pace University having already declared her major. “Nothing seemed more important to me than letting young students know that they can be anything they want be – all they need is determination and belief in themselves. What can be more rewarding that inspiring the doctors or lawyers or authors of tomorrow,” she says.

            Pace was a great fit for Brianna because not only was it close to her Staten Island home, but it allowed her to get her Masters as part of the five-year program, instead of having to take night classes while beginning her teaching career. But those weren’t the only reasons. Brianna notes, “The minute I stepped foot on this campus I felt like I was home.” She knew it was where she wanted to have her college experience.

            Brianna is an active member of the Pace community. She a “very proud” member, and former president, of the FEA (Future Educators Association). Brianna describe the three main goals of the organization as “spreading information about the field of education, allowing students interested in a career in education to develop professionally, and making a difference in the lives of the members of the community.” She thoroughly enjoys her involvement with this group.

            In her spare time, which is little for Education students, Brianna likes to read, watch television, and go to the movies - in her words, “…anything that allows me to escape reality.” She especially loves spending time with her friends -- friends she hopes she will stay in contact with for the rest of her life. She says they are her favorite thing about Pace. 

            Brianna’s main goal for the future is to be an effective and highly regarded teacher. “If any child I ever teach lists me among his or her favorite or most memorable teachers, I will feel that I have succeeded,” she says. She also remarks that she would like to be a reading specialist for a school or entire district some day. 

            As a teacher, Brianna shares this lesson with her fellow Pace-goers. “Spend time with people who make you happy. College is too short, and life is too short, to surround yourself with people who are going to bring you down, force you to do things you don't want to do, or make you feel bad. Be with the people who make you remember what's good in life, because that is what you should focus on always.” She also says, “Believe in yourself. This is one I have to work on, because I do not do it all the time, but I think everyone should know that they can handle more than they think they can, they can achieve more than they think they can, and they can become more than they think they can.”