They say that the best thing a student can do while at college is get involved.
They say extracurricular activities will make your resume shine.

This is something that Shippensburg University junior Abbie Brumback has taken to the next level. While some students may only join one or two organizations on campus to better their education, Brumback has joined more than a handful to better her future.

During her three years at SU, Brumback has become a member of the following organizations on campus: Tau Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, ADA/504 Compliance Committee, Lady Raiders swim team, University Foundation Phonathon caller, English and writing tutor at the learning center, and REACT member.

She also has positions in The Collegiate Middle Level Association, where she is the treasurer; The National Council of Teachers of English, where she is the secretary; Shippensburg University Education Association, where she is the treasurer; Student Senate, where she is the athletics representative, diversity committee chair, class council committee chair; The Slate, where she is web director; and most recently Brumback got a job at the university bookstore.

Needless to say, the phrase, having your plate full, is an understatement in regard to Brumback’s work schedule.

As an English major with a secondary teaching certification, and a women’s and gender studies minor, Brumback certainly has her sights set on her future and her ultimate career aspirations.
“I want to teach high school in an inner city. Honestly, I want it to be a failing school district,” Brumback said. “People ask me all of the time why I want to teach at a failing school district and a big reason is because I want to give back. I think this country was founded on education being a great equalizer, when in fact it is not. I think it marginalizes people.”

One thing Brumback understands is how to appreciate a good education.

This drive is what keeps her going through her constantly hectic schedule.

“When I say marginalize, I do not mean by race or gender but rather economically. I am fortunate enough to come from a family that has been able to give me a great education,” Brumback said. “I think education is now an upper middle class privilege when it should be a social right. So when people ask me why I want to work in an impoverished school district it is because I want to take the privileges I have had, and give them to those who have not been given a chance yet.”

After graduating next May, Brumback is planning to apply to graduate school to receive a teacher’s residency.

“The program that I am looking into is very selective. It is an accelerated master’s program in urban education and then I would commit three years to a school district to ultimately receive a M.U.ed. [Master’s of Urban Education]” Brumback explained. “Currently, I’m looking at Chicago and Memphis. Then, hopefully, I’ll be able to come back home and be able to work somewhere in Philadelphia. After this, I would love to go for my principal’s certification,” Brumback said.
Her goals do not stop at becoming a principal. Brumback also hopes to climb the ladder and achieve her doctorate and have the title of superintendent one day.

In order to stay on top of her busy schedule, Brumback has devised a strict organizational routine that helps her stay focused.

“My planner and I are best friends. I read all of my emails; I put the dates down for everything, and highlighting is key to avoiding conflicts,” she said.

While Brumback is seeking to spend her life educating others, she has not forgotten those who have given her an education.

“Shippensburg has done everything for me,” Brumback said. It has provided me with great mentors and fantastic classes but also with the belief and confidence that I can become something.”

With Brumback’s abundance of involvement, her confidence is over-flowing. She has an overall GPA of 3.81 and she said her professors always cared about what was going on in her personal life.

“I just hope to give to my students what SU has so graciously given to me. I am not gifted. Success takes time and work.”

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