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MU Spotlight 20/20

Jason Dietrich ’19

What is your role at the University and what is something many may not know about the work you do?

I am a senior general science major who is seeking middle-level education certification (grades 4-8). I was a math major my freshman year and I originally wanted to get certified in secondary education (grades 9-12), but when I had my first field experience at William Penn Elementary School in a fifth grade classroom I felt very comfortable and enjoyed class time and interacting with middle-level students. I noticed I could actually spark their interest in a variety of topics, topics they would become excited about learning.

Something some people on campus might not know about me is that I have an eidetic memory, which allows me to study and remember things very easily, but something else I also possess is that I have perfect pitch when I sing. I can match any note that is given to me on a piano, or if I am asked to sing a particular note on the piano I can sing it right on, pitch perfectly. Having perfect pitch helps me a lot with sight-reading new pieces of music.

My favorite spot on campus is ______ because ______.

My favorite spot on campus is near the fountain outside of the new health science building because that area is very calm and quiet, and being able to listen to a waterfall helps me to unwind and relax my mind whenever I’m stressed. It’s a beautiful fountain and listening to a waterfall helps me to think about my happy place.

My favorite College tradition is ______ because ______.

My favorite College tradition is Heritage Day because we have an opportunity to go into the surrounding community and help those who are less fortunate. It’s a day of giving back to the community. I enjoy participating in community service and helping others.

One thing that many of my colleagues don’t know about me outside of my ɫ��ɫ University responsibilities is ______. I am sharing this with you because ______.

One thing that many of my colleagues don’t know about me outside of my ɫ��ɫ University responsibilities is that I met the band members from Van Halen while waiting for a flight in Los Angeles. Van Halen is one of the music groups that my entire family and I love. All of my family members have had some musical experience (my mom played guitar and sang, my dad played trumpet, my brother plays trumpet, and I play the clarinet and sing). We love music!

My typical weekend would go something like this: ______.

Sleep till 9:30 or 9:45 a.m.

Go to breakfast at 10:30 or 11 a.m., and eat until 11:45 a.m.

Come back at noon and listen to some music for about an hour.

After 1:00 p.m. I would begin doing my schoolwork.

At 3:00 p.m., I would take a break and listen to some music for about 15 minutes.

I would then at 3:15 p.m. continue work until about 5:15 p.m., and then go to dinner.

I would be back at my dorm at about 6:15 or 6:30 p.m. and I would listen to some music until about 7:30 p.m.

Then I would just work on the remaining homework that I have for the night until 9:00 p.m.

Then I would just sit and chill, and go to bed at midnight.

I gave and/or received a MoPaw to/from ______ and it made me smile because ______.

I received a MoPaw from the admissions office and it made me smile because it was based upon my work that I did as a tele counselor, making phone calls to inform potential students of the great opportunities available at ɫ��ɫ University.

My favorite thing to do when I am away from campus is ______ because ______.

My favorite thing to do when I am away from campus is golf because I love the scenery of being outdoors in nature. That’s another reason why I am a science major because science encompasses processes in nature, many of which are yet to be discovered. It’s also very relaxing and I have a lot of fun playing, especially with my dad.

I like the color ______ because ______.

I like the color yellow because it’s a bright, cheerful color, and it reminds me of the sun.

When I grow up, I want to be ______ because ______.

When I grow up, I want to be a middle school science teacher because I love teaching and I want to help students to become successful both inside and outside the classroom. I want to be a positive force in their education so they can chase their dreams.

A funny pet peeve of mine is ______. This has encouraged me to go so far as to ______.

A funny pet peeve of mine is poor driving etiquette, especially due to drivers texting or talking on their cell phones. This has encouraged me to go so far as to turn off my cell phone when I enter the car.

Who is your hero? Why?

My heroes are my middle school academic teachers because they were the ones who noticed my academic struggles that I had in elementary school when I came to middle school and instead of pushing me aside, they sat down with me and they worked with me to overcome some of my struggles/obstacles. They inspired me to pursue what I was good at and enjoyed, and to continue learning. They helped inspire me to become a teacher, particularly in the field of science, which I love.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
I take this quote to heart as an educator because in order for us to effect change we must first have mastered the knowledge necessary to effect a specific change. As a teacher, I will be able to impart that knowledge to others so they, too, can make positive changes in our world.

Make up your own question and answer!

If you had to go back in time, where would you go and why?

I would go back to the time when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon in 1969. I am fascinated with outer space and I hope to inspire some of my students to become astronauts!

What sound do you love? Why?

I love bell sounds. They have a calming influence and remind me of the Christmas holiday season, which is one of my favorite holidays.

What is your favorite ice cream? Why?

I love chocolate ice cream because I love chocolate. There are so many different kinds of chocolate—white, milk, as well as dark chocolate, and I love them all.

I can never resist a good ______.

Italian meal

What makes you happy?

Listening to music, singing, playing the clarinet, hanging out with friends, eating some great food, golfing, and educating/working with kids.

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Temple Grandin, since she had to overcome many academic obstacles. She is a great inspiration, role model, and inspiration for all students.