{"id":2184,"date":"2025-02-17T16:49:44","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T21:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/teachers-college\/?p=2184"},"modified":"2025-02-17T16:50:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T21:50:23","slug":"building-a-brighter-future-commitment-to-education-and-leadership-at-ball-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/teachers-college\/2025\/02\/17\/building-a-brighter-future-commitment-to-education-and-leadership-at-ball-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a Brighter Future: Commitment to Education and Leadership at Ball State"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2195 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164422\/IMG_9843-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164422\/IMG_9843-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164422\/IMG_9843-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164422\/IMG_9843-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164422\/IMG_9843-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164422\/IMG_9843.jpeg 1543w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/>Josselline Valdez Salinas is a dedicated future educator whose journey at Ball State University is defined by resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference. From her early aspirations of becoming a teacher to her involvement in mentorship and advocacy, Josselline has embraced every opportunity to grow. With an unwavering dedication to education and social justice, she is not only shaping her future but also working to inspire the next generation of students. Her story is one of determination, gratitude, and the power of education to transform lives.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ba0c2f\">A Calling to Teach: Inspired by a Role Model and Choosing Ball State<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For Josselline Valdez Salinas, the dream of becoming a teacher was always clear.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI always aspired to be a teacher,\u201d she shares. \u201cGrowing up, I had numerous teachers who were Ball State grads. I spoke to them about my dreams and goals, and they told me the best program was Teachers College at Ball State.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>A significant influence in her journey was her fifth-grade teacher. \u201cShe was my role model. I always wanted to be just like her. She had an emphasis on teaching and was always excited\u2014at least from what I saw.\u201d But it wasn\u2019t just about enthusiasm; it was about care. \u201cShe was the only one concerned that I didn\u2019t know the language. Since then, I always wanted to advocate for kids like me who grew up facing similar challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2189\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164330\/IMG_1152-300x223.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164330\/IMG_1152-300x223.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164330\/IMG_1152-1024x762.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164330\/IMG_1152-768x571.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164330\/IMG_1152-1536x1143.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164330\/IMG_1152-2048x1524.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>After conducting her own research, Josselline was drawn to the abundance of scholarships and opportunities available at Ball State.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI wanted to pick the school that would educate me to the best of my ability. It was also away from home, and I figured it was the best for me! I knew personal growth would increase in all the core curricular classes I needed to take.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Her choice was validated when she received a scholarship, solidifying her decision to stay. \u201cSince then, I never planned on leaving. Everything worked out in my favor, and I have been able to expand my learning\u2014thanks to Ball State.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>For Josselline, teaching isn\u2019t just a job\u2014it\u2019s a calling. \u201cTeachers are the foundation of the world. We need teachers. The world needs saving, and with education, you can make a big impact. Education is powerful, and that is why I wish to be someone important.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ba0c2f\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2188 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164319\/IMG_0560-300x213.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164319\/IMG_0560-300x213.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164319\/IMG_0560-1024x727.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164319\/IMG_0560-768x545.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164319\/IMG_0560-1536x1090.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164319\/IMG_0560-2048x1453.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Memorable Moments: Scholarships, Mentorship, and Advocacy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Josselline\u2019s journey at Ball State has been filled with enriching experiences, but one stands out the most. \u201cMy favorite experience at Ball State was when I got the scholarship. This allowed me to continue my studies without having to worry so much financially. I am highly grateful because opportunities like that don\u2019t come around often.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Beyond financial support, Josselline has found invaluable mentorship. \u201cI\u2019ve met some amazing people and professors, such as John Anderson. He has guided me to be a better person and remain involved.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ba0c2f\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2194\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164415\/IMG_9009-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164415\/IMG_9009-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164415\/IMG_9009-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164415\/IMG_9009-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164415\/IMG_9009-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164415\/IMG_9009-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/>Campus Involvement: Leadership and Social Justice<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Josselline\u2019s impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a recipient of the Ryan Family Scholarship, she is actively engaged in a program that goes beyond financial aid.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThe beautiful thing about the scholarship is that it is a program\u2014it\u2019s not just a scholarship. We participate in community service, advocate for bringing students into the program, and attend important meetings around campus.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Additionally, she is revitalizing an organization close to her heart\u2014Educators for Social Justice. \u201cI got the opportunity to be the Chair for the organization. We\u2019ve been working on community outreach opportunities. My purpose is to learn and educate others about the importance of social justice. As a future educator, I want to revitalize this organization.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ba0c2f\">Future Goals: Education, Service, and Leadership<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Looking ahead, Josselline has clear ambitions. \u201cMy ideal plan is to graduate with a 3.5 GPA. I would love to have my own house after college. With my involvement in the Army National Guard, I\u2019d love to transition to active duty and eventually become an officer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, her love for education will always remain. \u201cI plan to come back and teach after I retire. Teaching will always be a part of who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ba0c2f\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2191 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164345\/IMG_3402-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164345\/IMG_3402-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164345\/IMG_3402-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164345\/IMG_3402-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164345\/IMG_3402-1536x1004.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164345\/IMG_3402-2048x1338.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Finding Joy: Creativity, Fitness, and Advocacy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Outside of her academic and leadership roles, Josselline finds joy in creative outlets. \u201cI love to draw and work out. In my free time, I also love to create content. I want to have a platform to advocate for education and opportunities\u2014like sponsorships from big companies!\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ba0c2f\">Gratitude for Ball State<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Josselline\u2019s time at Ball State has been transformative, and she holds deep gratitude for the people who have supported her. \u201cI just want to say, I appreciate all the professors here at Ball State. Although they are all great, certain professors have helped me the most\u2014especially during difficult times with my family.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She specifically acknowledges John Anderson, Stacey Allred, and Michelle Cline for their support. One of her most cherished moments was meeting Freeman A. Hrabowski III. \u201cThanks to Dr. Anderson, I was able to meet someone so meaningful and impactful. I felt so honored to be there.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Josselline Valdez Salinas is a shining example of resilience, leadership, and dedication. Her journey at Ball State is just the beginning, and her future as an educator and leader is bound to make a lasting impact.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2187\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164306\/5F221BC0-3617-4F3E-819D-50F06A5547B5-266x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"266\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164306\/5F221BC0-3617-4F3E-819D-50F06A5547B5-266x300.jpeg 266w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164306\/5F221BC0-3617-4F3E-819D-50F06A5547B5-907x1024.jpeg 907w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164306\/5F221BC0-3617-4F3E-819D-50F06A5547B5-768x867.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/02\/17164306\/5F221BC0-3617-4F3E-819D-50F06A5547B5.jpeg 1289w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Josselline Valdez Salinas is a dedicated future educator whose journey at Ball State University is defined by resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference. From her early aspirations of becoming a teacher to her involvement in mentorship and advocacy, Josselline has embraced every opportunity to grow. With an unwavering dedication to education [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":305,"featured_media":2185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-student-stories"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Building a Brighter Future: Commitment to Education and Leadership at Ball State - Teachers College<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/teachers-college\/2025\/02\/17\/building-a-brighter-future-commitment-to-education-and-leadership-at-ball-state\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Building a Brighter Future: Commitment to Education and Leadership at Ball State - Teachers College\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Josselline Valdez Salinas is a dedicated future educator whose journey at Ball State University is defined by resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference. From her early aspirations of becoming a teacher to her involvement in mentorship and advocacy, Josselline has embraced every opportunity to grow. 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