Karen Dougal
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Boise, ID ( May 10, 2018 ) – Boise State University student Karen Dougal has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring personal narrative, excellent academic record and spirit of community service.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Dougal is one of ten recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Karen shared why she was inspired to become a teacher. “I have been contemplating career choices for years knowing when my children were older, I would want to head back to the workplace,” said Karen. “After substituting in the public schools, I realized that I truly loved both the challenge and the thrill of teaching. I felt fulfilled and happy as I taught, but also felt the weight of responsibility of teaching.” Karen went on to say that teachers are some of the smartest, kindest, most helpful and hardworking people she knows. “I look forward to joining the teaching profession. The process of teaching and watching children learn is thrilling to me. I love to listen to students and see life through their eyes.”
“Karen’s personal narrative was very compelling to our committee. She has chosen this noble profession after raising her children. She loves both learning and teaching. She is just the type of person we like to support,” said Nancy Larson.
Juniors, seniors and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major are invited to submit a personal narrative about why they want to teach, what personal experiences they have had that inspired them to teach and what will make them excellent teachers. Applicants are also asked to include community service activities and experiences they have had working with children.
Larson, a former teacher and curriculum director, has dedicated her life to advancing elementary education. Nancy Larson Science K–5 programs were developed because teachers needed a classroom-tested science program that would prepare children for upper-level science classes and careers in science. The program was written to provide in-depth science content in an easy-to-teach format.