By Isabella DeHayes
Tasneem Motan, BS in Elementary Education ‘26, will represent the undergraduate class during the School of Education’s commencement ceremony. As Motan enters the post-graduate world, she hopes to become a role model in her classrooms and create a space for students to feel safe and excited about learning. With the support of her friends and professors, she is ready to be an educator who listens, supports, and inspires.
What does it mean for you to be able to speak to the class of 2026?
Being able to speak to the class of 2026 means so much to me because many of us shared experiences and talked about our struggles and achievements. Making it to this point is well deserved for everyone because it was not an easy path. We got through it, though, and I am sure everyone will make an impact wherever they go.
What were your most memorable experiences that you would like to share during your time at Drexel?
My most memorable experiences during my time at Drexel were simple days when I could sit with friends on Lancaster Walk to talk and do our work. It was not anything crazy, but it made such an impact on my mental health because it was a reset to be outside and check in with each other. Everyone has busy schedules, so when there is some time to just relax, it sticks with you.
Was there a class, professor, or experience that changed you fundamentally?
The experience that changed me fundamentally was my student teaching. I started student teaching when teachers started at the beginning of the year, and before that, I had my CO-OP, where I also worked in a middle school. My students affected me as a person because of their complexity, kindness, and creativity. Their ideas pushed me to think of activities that would engage them and challenge their thinking. I looked forward to showing up because of my students and mentor teachers who continued to support me in any decision I made. When I made mistakes, I would discuss them, learn from them, and just try again. I am not saying it was easy, but it definitely prepared me to be a better teacher and ultimately a better person.
What did you expect your academic experience here at Drexel to look like, and how did it actually unfold?
I expected my academic experience at Drexel to be simple, honestly, but it ended up surprising me in so many ways. When I declared my major in Elementary Education, I thought I would just take the required classes, complete my student teaching, and pretty much graduate afterward. I did not consider the complexity of my degree, or the amount of field experience Drexel offers. As a freshman, I entered a middle school to observe, and that was the beginning of my career, during which I learned about strategies I wanted to use as a teacher and things I knew I would never do. These experiences, in which I got to speak with students, other teachers, and professors, shaped the teacher I am becoming.
What responsibility do you feel entering the real world as a Drexel graduate?
The responsibility I have entering the real world as a Drexel graduate is to continue to stand up for justice in all its forms. I do not want to be a bystander; when I know something is not right, I want to be part of the change. As a teacher, I want to show my students that they also have powerful voices and that when they feel something is unfair, they can be a part of that change.
What impact do you hope to make after graduation, and what do you want post-grad to look like?
The impact I hope to make after graduation is to teach my students not only the concepts needed in the subject, but also to be a role model in their lives. This can take multiple forms, such as being someone who listens to what they have to say or facilitating discussions about things they may need help with. I want to have a safe classroom where students can express themselves! I want my students to be excited to enter my class to learn, and even though they might not like the subject I am teaching, it would show the impact I am making if they are trying.
What advice would you give to Drexel students still completing their degree now that you are graduating?
The advice I would give to Drexel students completing their degree is to seek out opportunities that will help them gain experience in the field they are interested in. This prepares you for the career you may be interested in and can also open your eyes to the possibility that you may not like that career. Drexel prepares us to get field experience beforehand, but that does not always give you the complete perspective of the field you might be in; you have to continue to seek out those opportunities to gain that experience.