ELENI ZGOUROU Recipient of the Ira J. and Esther L. Gordon Scholarship Ph.D. in Education: Early Childhood, Special Education and Literacy Class of 2017 Deskati, Greece
My background After earning a master’s degree in early childhood care and education in Greece, I moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where I earned a master’s degree in educational psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). During my five years in Los Angeles, I worked as a research assistant in projects at CSUN and at UCLA. I also volunteered in various settings, including infant and toddler rooms, an early intervention program and classrooms ranging from kindergarten to third grade.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education The reputation of the UNC School of Education and its faculty influenced my decision to apply here. In addition, the UNC School of Education provides a wide range of graduate courses, specialty areas and research interests attracting individuals with different interests and backgrounds. I was also influenced by the fact that the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute is affiliated with the UNC School of Education, providing marvelous learning and research opportunities.
My experience My experience at the School of Education has been wonderful! It is an intellectually stimulating environment which has offered me opportunities to meet and work with remarkable people, attend interesting classes, seminars and lectures, and make many new friends from diverse backgrounds. I am very proud and happy to be a graduate student in the UNC School of Education.
How the Ira J. and Esther L. Gordon Scholarship has benefited me I am truly honored to have received the Ira J. and Esther L. Gordon Scholarship. Beyond its significant financial contribution which helps me concentrate on my graduate studies, it inspires me to work harder and seek to do something beneficial for children and their families. In addition, because I am the first in my family to attend college and the first to study abroad, this award has made my entire family and me proud.
My career goal My career goal is to become a professor at a university where I can teach and conduct research. I hope to advocate for a better and more equitable education for all children.
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