Over the summer, we introduced many of our Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients, most of whom were incoming freshmen preparing for their first semester at Ball State.

Now that the fall semester is well underway, we’re excited to return to these outstanding students, this time focusing on how their first semester has unfolded. We’ve tried capturing their early experiences, challenges, and hopes for the months and years ahead.

Our first mid-semester freshman feature highlights Michelle Laguna-Rafael, an Elementary Education major with a minor in Spanish from Madison, Indiana.

Meet Michelle Laguna-Rafael

Michelle arrived at Ball State with an impressive record of leadership, service, and cultural advocacy. During her time at Madison Consolidated High School, she participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, Student Athletic Council, Student Cadet Teacher, Pep Club, and Sources of Strength. She served as Class Vice President, played for the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, and taught weekly religious education classes at her local parish.

One of her most meaningful accomplishments was creating a space for cultural connection at her school:

“One of my proudest accomplishments was founding the first-ever Latino Club at our school, which not only united Latino students in our school but also proudly allowed us to share our culture within the student body.”

Inspired to Teach

Michelle’s desire to become an educator is rooted deeply in her personal experiences as a first-generation student. She speaks passionately about the importance of helping young people recognize their potential, especially when fear or circumstance hides it from them.

“I believe that every child carries a light of potential within them, even when challenges make them feel limited.”

Michelle credits her own teachers for encouraging her to embrace her heritage and integrate her Spanish and Mexican culture into her learning. That support empowered her not only to excel academically but also to lead initiatives that celebrated culture and identity.

“Without the guidance and encouragement of my teachers, I wouldn’t have achieved that.”

Now, she hopes to create the same environment of empowerment for her future students.

“I want to inspire my students to see from a young age that their unique differences and backgrounds will be the tools to help them thrive in the future.”

Why Ball State?

For Michelle, choosing Ball State felt natural from the start.

“I chose Ball State University because I fell in love with the Teachers College and the incredible team behind it.”

The University’s hands-on approach to teacher preparation, the welcoming campus environment, and the abundance of opportunities all made her feel at home before she ever attended her first class.

“I immediately saw so many opportunities available… I was amazed by the campus’s welcoming environment filled with clubs, activities, and resources provided for students in order to be successful.”

First Weeks as a Cardinal

Michelle describes her first weeks of college with genuine excitement and gratitude:

“The first weeks of college have been so much fun! I’ve met so many new friends… and I finally feel like this is becoming my new home.”

She enjoys her classes, appreciates her professors, and has established a routine that makes her feel grounded. With the semester moving quickly, Michelle is eager to keep growing academically, personally, and professionally.

Getting Involved

Michelle has fully embraced community and involvement at Ball State. This semester, she joined Cardinal Catholic, the Latino Student Union, and the Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club for Education Majors. She is also an Emens Scholar, a distinction that reflects her strong academic standing and leadership potential.

Life Beyond the Classroom

For Michelle, joy often comes from movement, faith, and time with loved ones. She enjoys playing tennis and pickleball with friends and family, participating in weekly Bible study with her Cardinal Catholic group, and visiting home for family adventures.

And her fun fact speaks to a defining moment in her educational journey:

“I was the Honor Graduate of my class, and I got to give the graduation speech where I thanked my parents in Spanish.”

A Future Educator with Heart

Michelle’s first semester reflects her dedication not only to becoming an exceptional educator but also to uplifting others, celebrating culture, and building supportive communities. She embodies the spirit of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, and we cannot wait to see how she continues to grow throughout her time at Ball State.