Congratulations to future educator Susan Wong of Gillette who was selected as one of two recipients of the 2017 Watchung Hills Regional Education Association (WHREA) Scholarship for Future Educators. Lauren Wasserman of Green Brook Township is the other recipient.
“The WHREA is proud to honor Wasserman and Wong for their academic achievement and commitment to community,” said WHREA President Kenneth Karnas. “Both girls are energetic and enthusiastic as students and they both have a wonderful record of teaching and helping others. Wasserman and Wong have many fine qualities that will aid in their pursuit of becoming teachers someday.”
Susan Wong will attend Case Western Reserve University in Ohio next year as an education and psychology major. At WHRHS, Wong has been an outstanding student completing some of the most rigorous courses available in the curriculum. Throughout her academic career, only three times has she earned a grade lower than an “A” in her classes.
Besides shining inside the classroom, Wong has made meaningful contributions with several school organizations. According to Wong, “being involved with Track and Field, the INTERACT club, Peer Leaders and the GLC has been enjoyable, enriching and purposeful,” Wong said. “These interactions have helped me foster incredible bonds with my peers, teammates and those I’ve served in the community.”
An important part of community service for Wong has been her experience as a volunteer at the Murray Hill Chinese School. Helping as a teacher assistant at the school has further validated Wong’s goal of someday working in the field of education.
“Every Saturday, I soothe and comfort students who are struggling to learn the new language and help them catch up when they are falling behind. I develop their trust by actively engaging in conversations and asking questions,” Wong added.
With those younger students, Wong is a role model. Additionally, Wong’s connection to an older generation has also provided her with the motivation to someday become a teacher and the biggest influence has been her own family. Both her grandparents and parents are immigrants. They have often struggled with the English language and grasping the unique components of Western culture. Early on, Wong has always helped by being the translator in the family, the one who explained many of the unfamiliar American customs to elder family members.
Just like her work with the younger students at the Chinese school, those family interactions have been most influential in steering Wong along the path to become a future educator. “Every interaction has the powerful effect of making a difference for both the teacher and the student. They help us to learn and understand each other,” Wong said. “Working in education is the first step to giving back to my family and thriving community.
(above) Seniors Susan Wong, left, of Gillette, and Lauren Wasserman, right, of Green Brook Township, are congratulated by WHREA (Watchung Hills Regional Education Association) President and Social Studies Teacher Kenneth Karnas on being named the recipients of the 2017 WHREA Scholarship for Future Educators.
