Like all incoming first-year students, Nadia Cline is experiencing her first Week of Welcome at Ball State, getting settled on campus, meeting new people, and preparing for the start of her college career. A graduate of Angola High School in Angola, Indiana, Nadia is pursuing a Special Education major in Exceptional Needs P-12, focusing on Mild and Intense Interventions. She arrives at Ball State with a clear goal: to become an educator who helps young learners build strong foundations and reach their potential.

Nadia is the next student featured in a Teachers College series highlighting Ball State recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 annually to high-achieving students pursuing careers in education.

Finding Her Calling in Special Education

Nadia Cline stands closely beside an older woman with her arm around Nadia’s waist, their heads touching as they smile at the camera. The older woman has short blond hair and glasses and wears a white fringed vest over a T-shirt featuring Stevie Nicks’ Bella Donna album cover. Nadia wears a light blue short-sleeved dress with rows of flower-shaped eyelet detailing. They stand in front of a white arched backdrop decorated with purple flowers along the top. Nearby are lace-covered shelves displaying framed photographs, including a black-and-white photo of a young girl.Nadia’s interest in special education began with experiences close to home. Her mother has worked as a special education teacher for 16 years, giving Nadia opportunities to see the field firsthand through her mother’s work.

While that early exposure introduced Nadia to special education classrooms, it was during her sophomore year of high school that she realized she wanted to pursue the field herself. She began taking classes focused on teaching and quickly discovered that special education was where she wanted to build her future.

“I fell in love with the environment and knew it was my future calling.”

That passion has shaped Nadia’s plans for the classroom. She hopes to work with students in kindergarten through third grade, helping them establish a strong foundation for their education.

Starting Her Cardinal Journey

Nadia Cline stands closely beside a young man as they pose and smile at the camera, appearing to take a selfie together. Both wear blue: he wears a T-shirt with an Aéropostale logo, while she wears a blue ribbed tank top, silver necklace with a square charm, and silver earrings. Her long blond hair is pulled back into a braid. They are outdoors at what appears to be a county fairgrounds, with a large grassy field and a line of trees in the distance. People, portable toilets, and stands are visible in the background. The cloudless sky has begun to turn orange near the horizon as the sun sets.Nadia chose Ball State because of its campus, community, and strong reputation for preparing educators. Its proximity to home was another factor that made the University a good fit.

“I love the campus and community; it was ranked the #1 teachers college in Indiana, and it’s not too far away from home!”

Now that she has arrived on campus, Nadia is excited to meet new people, try new things, and experience this next chapter of her life.

She hopes her time at Ball State will help her develop the knowledge and skills she needs to become a confident teacher while also encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and build new relationships.

Building a Foundation for Young Learners

Nadia is especially drawn to the early years of education because she wants to help students develop the skills and confidence they will carry with them throughout their academic journeys. She hopes to create a classroom where students can build a strong foundation while feeling supported, engaged, and ready to learn.

Nadia appreciates the energy that comes with working with younger children, noting that lower age groups “keep you on your feet at all times,” something she loves.

Her goal is to continue developing the skills and confidence she will need to support her future students and help them succeed.

A Life of Service and Activity

Three high school-aged young women stand together in a row with their arms around one another, smiling at the camera. They each wear a tie-dyed T-shirt with shorts. The shirts are slightly different colors and patterns, suggesting they may be handmade, and each features a 4-H logo with text surrounding it and additional text below on the left side. Behind them is a cabin-like building surrounded by trees, with a few other people nearby, giving the setting the appearance of a summer camp.

Nadia has always enjoyed staying active and exploring different interests. Throughout high school, she participated in a variety of sports, including swimming, track, golf, and basketball.

She also volunteered extensively through National Honor Society and her church. Those experiences helped her develop leadership skills and strengthened her commitment to serving others.

Nadia plans to continue volunteering throughout her life, bringing the same spirit of service to her future career in education.

Pursuing a Dream

Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship will provide Nadia with important financial support as she begins her college education.

“It’s a huge blessing, and I’m so grateful!”

The scholarship will help Nadia focus on preparing for her future career while reducing the financial burden of earning her degree. For her, it represents an opportunity to build a successful future in teaching and make a difference in the lives of her students.

Beyond the Classroom

Nadia Cline stands closely beside a young woman with long dark hair, both smiling at the camera. The young woman wears jeans, a short blue T-shirt, and three layered necklaces. Nadia wears a light blue short-sleeved dress with rows of flower-shaped eyelet detailing. They stand in front of a white arched backdrop decorated with purple flowers along the top. Nearby, lace-covered shelves display framed photographs, including two black-and-white photos of a young girl. A vine of purple flowers from the backdrop extends along one of the shelves.Outside of school, Nadia enjoys spending time with friends and family, sewing, dancing, singing, swimming, traveling, and spending time outdoors. She especially enjoys trying new things and finding new ways to express herself.

Nadia spent about four years dancing, an experience that allowed her to express herself creatively.

“I love to express myself in ways that words can’t.”

Now that she has arrived at Ball State, Nadia is ready to embrace new experiences while preparing for a career she already knows she is passionate about. Her goal is simple: to use her career to make a lasting difference in the lives of her students.

“I’m so excited to become a teacher, and I cannot wait to change the lives of my students!”

As one of the many Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients studying at Ball State, Nadia is joining a community of future educators committed to making a difference. Teachers College is proud to celebrate her passion for special education and her commitment to helping young learners build a strong foundation for their futures.