Student — and Student Advocate

When it came to choosing a college, Emma Hindt ’25 was confident that Mount Mercy University was the place for her. Although she had plenty of options nearby, her decision was clear the moment she stepped on campus.  

“I chose Mount Mercy because it felt like home,” Emma said. A Cedar Rapids native, she found that Mount Mercy offered the perfect close-knit community feel, while providing big academic opportunities.  

With aspirations to become an instructional coach or teacher leader, Emma knew Mount Mercy’s Education program would allow her to turn her dreams into reality. Mount Mercy’s supportive environment, which boasts small class sizes and a variety of extra-curricular offerings, has been a space that allowed Emma to branch out while staying close to family and friends.  

As an Elementary Education major, Emma says that one of her aspirations in life is to develop classrooms where students feel valued and supported. Through early hands-on learning experiences, Emma was able to do just that at Mount Mercy.  

Mount Mercy’s Education program provides students the opportunity to learn in real-world classroom settings more quickly than other programs. Beginning the spring of her freshman year, Emma started working in a second-grade classroom at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Marion. The connections she made there led her to a position as a kindergarten aide as a sophomore. That same year, Emma expanded her experience even further by working in a special education classroom at Francis Marion Intermediate School during the fall semester, and then tutored English and second language learners that spring at St. Matthew’s Catholic School in Cedar Rapids. She continues to apply what she has learned both inside and outside of Mount Mercy’s classrooms, now working with kindergartners at Center Point-Urbana Primary School. 

When Emma starts student teaching in the fall of 2025, she will already have plenty of experience to draw upon, preparing her to take the next step in her journey as an educator and student advocate.  

“A lot of programs don’t get pre-service teachers into the classroom until their junior year, but Mount Mercy allows you to have ample time in a classroom before you student teach,” Emma explained. 

Emma credits the professional relationships she has made through the education program with helping her move one step closer to her career goals, as she looks towards her December 2025 graduation.  

“Through my field experience, I have met so many incredible teachers that I have gained so much experience and wisdom from,” Emma explained. “The teachers I’ve met have allowed me to get a foot in the door.” 

Emma is also involved in the MMU Plus program, which allows her to take courses and earn credits towards her master’s degree while completing her undergraduate studies. Emma said MMU Plus has provided her with an expanded knowledge base and comprehensive teaching instruction, enhancing her readiness for a successful teaching career. 

“MMU Plus has allowed me to experience a greater depth of knowledge within the elementary education realm,” Emma stated.  

After Emma receives her graduate degree from Mount Mercy, she plans to work as an elementary school teacher and hopes the jump on her master’s degree will get her to her goal of becoming an instructional coach or teacher leader in the near future.  

Beyond her academic pursuits, Emma is actively involved in various campus activities, including choir, the bowling team, and the Future Educators Club. She says her engagement in these organizations not only enhances her college experience but also fosters connections that will benefit her in her future career. 

One memory that will stick with Emma forever is when she competed at her first collegiate bowling tournament, repping the Mustang logo across her chest. She said it was a special thrill to represent Mount Mercy with all her friends and teammates by her side. 

“I have made so many incredible friends through this university that I cannot imagine my life without,” Emma said. “They have been my support system through these last two years, and I am forever grateful to Mount Mercy for bringing them into my life.” 

For prospective students considering Mount Mercy University, Emma’s advice is simple yet impactful: “Get involved in as much as you can.” She stresses the importance of making the most of the college experience, from attending sporting events, joining clubs, and participating in musical activities. Emma believes that these opportunities enrich life on campus and help create lasting memories. 

“You are only at this point of your life once,” she exclaimed, “so make it count.”