Spartans of UD: Mackenzie Helgemoe
Feb 12, 2020
Spartans of UD highlights what makes University of Dubuque special – the people who live, work, and study on campus.
Mackenzie Helgemoe is a senior environmental biology in secondary education, all science in secondary education, and math in secondary education triple major from Rubicon, Wisconsin. In January, she coordinated with Special Olympics Iowa for the Unified Track Meet that was held on UD’s campus.
1. During J-Term you coordinated with Special Olympics Iowa for the Unified Track Meet. What motivated you to partner with UD student-athletes to participate in the event?
“During my time in high school track and field we always hosted a Special Olympics Track and Field Meet, and it was favorite day of the year. When we started this track season at UD, one our goals was to do more community service and the first thing that came to mind was a Special Olympics Meet. I contacted Special Olympics Iowa and my idea was turned into a reality!”
2. Were you able to incorporate lessons you’ve learned as an education major during the Unified Track Meet?
“There were many lessons that I have learned as an education major that helped me put on this meet. The biggest one is to be flexible. There were so many things that we planned for that didn't end up going that way. Through all the classroom experience and the classes that I have taken, I have learned that things are never going to go as planned and that you need to be able to change things on the fly.”
3. What advice do you have for future UD education majors?
“The advice I would give to future education students is to immerse yourself in your classroom placements. Take the time to get to know your cooperating teacher and the students. They will teach you so much about what it really means to be an educator.”
4. What will you cherish most about your time at UD?
“What I will cherish most about my time at UD is all the relationships that I have made. I know that I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
5. What is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
“My favorite spot on campus is the Ecology Lab. I have had some of my favorite classes in that room and have made some amazing friendships in that room. I love the way the light shines into the room. It also is a great place to study.”
