Nora Young sits on the hood of a white Jeep parked in a designated parking space painted with a blue and teal turtle and large blue “2026” lettering. The lower right corner features the handwritten name “NORA” with blue handprints on either side. Open fields, distant trees, houses and solar panels are visible in the background.For Nora Young, becoming a teacher isn’t a new idea. In fact, she’s been imagining herself in front of a classroom since she was a child. Now, after graduating from Tri-Central High School in May 2026, the Kokomo, Indiana, native is taking the first steps toward making that childhood imagination a reality.

Nora is the next student featured in the Teachers College series highlighting Ball State recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awards the scholarship to high-achieving students who plan to pursue careers in education. Recipients can receive up to $10,000 each year for four academic years.

From Pretend Classroom to Future Classroom

Two young women wearing sundresses and glasses pose for a selfie, each with a purse strap over her shoulder. Behind them are the glass windows and doors of a large building, palm trees, cars and a traffic light.Nora’s interest in education began with something many children do: playing pretend. But for her, the game stuck.

“I wanted to be a teacher from a young age. I would always pretend to have a classroom full of students,” Nora said.

As she grew older, that early interest developed into a genuine love of working with children. Her own teachers also helped shape her vision for the educator she hopes to become.

Nora has sought out opportunities to explore that interest beyond the classroom, too. During her senior year, she interned at a daycare, gaining experience working with children. She also volunteered at her church’s Vacation Bible School, where she served as a preschool teacher and helper.

Those experiences have helped point Nora toward the youngest learners. She hopes to teach kindergarten through third grade, where she can spend her days helping children learn while hearing the stories they are eager to share.

Starting the Next Chapter

Nora Young squats at the side of a basketball court, watching the action during a game. She faces away from the camera and wears a blue and gold uniform over a black short-sleeve shirt, with a stylized “40” outlined in gold on the back of her jersey. Her long blonde hair is pulled into a bubble ponytail with multiple rounded sections.Nora chose Ball State because she was looking for a strong foundation for her future career. She plans to study Elementary Education and is excited to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

“I really like the teaching programs they offer and the resources I’ll be able to get,” Nora said. “Also, the community they build.”

For Nora, college will be about more than preparing for her career. She is also looking forward to the people she will meet and the experiences that come with starting a new chapter.

“I’m mostly excited about new friendships and opportunities that will come my way,” she said.

She is bringing plenty of experience with her. Nora played basketball for eight years, served as a softball manager for three years in high school and was a member of the National Honor Society.

At Ball State, she hopes to build on those experiences while making the most of everything the Elementary Education program has to offer.

A Little More Room to Focus on the Future

Nora Young poses with a young man, her arms around him and her hand resting on his stomach, as they both smile at the camera. Nora wears an American flag-themed shirt and matching nail art. Behind them, a person holds a sparkler while others gather at what appears to be a backyard Fourth of July celebration.Starting college comes with plenty to think about, but the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship is helping remove one significant source of worry for Nora.

The financial support will allow her to put more of her attention toward her education and the work of becoming the teacher she wants to be.

“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me academically and financially,” Nora said. “The thought of knowing most of college is paid for through scholarships is a huge relief.”

With that burden eased, Nora can look ahead to the next four years with a goal of earning good grades, gaining as much experience as possible and finding her place in the Ball State community.

And when she eventually steps into her own classroom, she’ll be doing something she has been practicing for since childhood.

Only this time, the students will be real.Nora Young poses with a friend and basketball teammate in front of a bright blue backdrop with a balloon arch in gold, clear and white. Both wear white high school basketball jerseys with blue lettering and yellow accents.