“I had fallen in love with the students and how they loved unconditionally. It felt like home. Although the timeline of finishing both my bachelor’s degree and my teaching credential was enticing, my heart was what initially drew me in to the major,” Natalie Cunningham, student at California State University, Bakersfield.
Cunningham said she’d often thought about working with people with disabilities as a career. In high school, she took a community involvement course where she was an aid for a period in her schedule for a Mod-Severe special day class.
Later, she received her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education as a transfer from Bakersfield College (BC) and knew she wanted to stay in town. She applied at CSUB and the rest was history.
While Cunningham initially began her time at CSUB as a child and family studies (CAFS) major, she is now the first student to complete the CAFS-special education (C-SPED) program.
Originally, she wasn’t exactly sure just what she wanted to do but took the major closely related to her associate degree.
“I was approached by Dr. Elaine Correa about the C-SPED program and I was intrigued at how quickly I would graduate with not only just my bachelor’s degree, but also my teaching credential. I sought out Dr. Yeunjoo Lee and began my journey in the C-SPED program,” said Cunningham.
“At my first advising meeting with Natalie, it was evident that she knew what she wanted to do and was prepared to overcome any challenges or obstacles to succeed,” recalled Dr. Correa, chair and professor for the Department of CAFS. “Her vision and desire to work with children, particularly children with special needs were expressed within the first few minutes of speaking with her. She was determined to make a difference in the lives of children, and she was going to do everything in her power to ensure that she could participate in this program.”
Students in the C-SPED program must have a strong GPA and be prepared for “a very rigorous educational experience that requires tremendous dedication, numerous hours of study to pass various qualifying exams, a commitment to learning and expanding their knowledge base and a heartfelt passion for teaching children with special needs,” Dr. Correa explained.
“I am the first one to complete the C-SPED program, so that came with lots of challenges,” said Cunningham. “All of my classmates were graduate students who were already in the classroom in some way. I, on the other hand, was not.”
Cunningham took in as much information as she could about the classroom to keep up with the conversations in her lectures and added that it pushed her to learn as much as she could from her peers and her professors.
“I witnessed her growth each semester and each course. She absorbs what she learns from classes and applies it to real settings. Natalie is self-motivated and resourceful, and equipped with a positive attitude and genuine interest in helping and supporting individuals with disabilities. Her cooperating teachers and field supervisors praise her for professionalism and knowledge and skills to educate children with disabilities,” said Dr. Lee, chair and professor of special education.
During her time at CSUB, Cunningham was involved in the CAFS club and was also involved outside of campus.
“I worked at a program for adults with disabilities that helped them either get employment or start their own microenterprise. The company’s progressive views on people with disabilities’ abilities made me even more passionate about the community. A lot of the students in the day program were successful business owners or applauded employees for local businesses. I spent most of my time supporting the community in any way I could,” said Cunningham.
Overall, Cunningham is most proud of the fact that she is the first one to graduate from the C-SPED program.
“I had no experience, and I had no clue what I was doing, but I kept going and never gave up. I am proud of that. I encourage all that are reading, if you have a passion for people with disabilities and seeing the stigma surrounding the community changed, get into the special education program at CSUB,” said Cunningham.
Looking back on her at CSUB, Cunningham is grateful to those who helped her along the way.
“From the financial aid office to my advisers, every faculty member has encouraged me. Although I have received encouragement from every side, there are the few that made a lasting impact on my life that I would thank,” said Cunningham.
“I would love to thank Dr. Elaine Correa for guiding me in my undergrad as a CAFS major and leading me into the direction of the C-SPED program. Next, Dr. Yeunjoo Lee for always answering my endless amount of questions and being my greatest ally in the special education program,” Cunningham added.
She also went on to thank many of her professors and others who have impacted her journey and time at the university.
“I have been so lucky to have the greatest professors during my time in the special education program including Professor Julie Pena, Dr. Sarana Roberts, Professor Matthew and Jillian Kabel, and Professor Anthony Goss,” said Cunningham.
“As her advisor, I noticed that she is well organized, prepared, and dependable. Natalie continues reflecting on suggestions and comments and uses them to improve her teaching practices. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced many challenges to complete a credential program. However, Natalie showed the tenacity to push forward for her dream to be a special education teacher. The program faculty are very proud of her accomplishment,” said Dr. Lee.
Cunningham has learned many lessons during her time at CSUB. However, Cunningham notes the most valuable lesson she has learned is to always ask questions and to never be afraid to seek wisdom if you are unsure.
“My professors and advisors showed me how much they desired to help, pushing me to go out of my comfort zone and ask for that help. During the next season of my life, I will always ask questions and seek wisdom when I am unsure about a matter,” said Cunningham.
As Cunningham, graduates and looks forward to the next chapter of her life, she has already been hired by the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District as a mild/moderate IIC teacher for the intermediate grades.
“I have total confidence that she will be a lifelong learner and a teacher-leader in the community. With her true passion and enthusiasm, she will definitely be a strong advocate for children with disabilities and their families,” said Dr. Lee.
“I anticipate that Natalie will have a very successful and notable career in special education. She has a vision and is prepared to do the work needed to advance. She will definitely touch the lives of the students she works with in a positive way, leaving an indelible impression of what a compassionate educator can achieve in helping students learn. No one will be surprised at what Natalie will do next, because she is a powerhouse, ready to take on new challenges to improve the lives of others,” added Dr. Correa.
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