Angela Claire “AC” Henderson knew from a young age that special education was her calling, but it wasn’t until she got to ETSU that she experienced the power of education firsthand in a way that would transform her career forever.
A native of Boone, North Carolina, AC knew as soon as she stepped foot on ETSU’s campus
in 2022 that it would be her “home away from home.” The beautiful Appalachian mountains
and tight-knit community connected her to campus like no other.
“I love how supportive and welcoming the ETSU community is,” shared AC. “In my time
here, that feeling hasn’t left, as all of my professors, advisors, and other staff
members have consistently supported me throughout all of my endeavors here.”
“I love how supportive and welcoming the ETSU community is.”
- AC Henderson
AC is a junior majoring in special education and minoring in American Sign Language. She is involved in the college student ministry Young Life as a leader as well as a Young Life Capernaum leader, which serves high schoolers with disabilities. She is also a Preview and Orientation Leader, an opportunity that allows her to welcome new students to campus with the same warmth she received.
“POLO (ETSU’s Preview and Orientation Leaders Organization) has shaped my experience
here by providing me with a close-knit family of fellow leaders and staff, who I know
always have my best interest at heart,” said AC.
AC is confident that studying special education at ETSU will lead her to her dream
job – to become a special education teacher in a public school, a calling she’s had
since she was 12 years old.
On top of her regular classwork, AC gets to complete service hours through unique
opportunities like the Access ETSU program. Access ETSU offers supplemental support to young adults with an intellectual disability
who seek to enhance their academic, career development and social skills alongside
their peers at ETSU.
Her goal? To serve those with disabilities who haven’t had anyone to advocate for
them before.
“In my time working with students with disabilities, I have learned more from them
than they would ever learn from me,” said AC.
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