Helen Collins

Major: Physical Education

Since 2007

Background: A native of Whitianga, New Zealand; a graduate of St. Peter's School in Cambridge, New Zealand; mid-fielder for the Lady Bulldogs soccer team and 2007 NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, AAC Freshman of the Year, All-Conference Team, All-Region Team and 2008 All-Conference and All-Academic Teams.

Fun fact: While attending TWC, Helen rode her motorcycle daily to class.

To be honest I didn't know a thing about Tennessee Wesleyan College before I got to Athens. Naomi Clarke, the women's soccer coach and also a native New Zealander, sent me an email one day addressing everything she could offer me and I was sold. Once I got here I loved it.

 

Tennessee Wesleyan is a great school. The professors are great and want to see the students succeed. If you want a good education in small classes and with friendly professors this is the place. Being a TWC student means being a part of a small community and being known personally by your professors. It's great to have the professors know who you are and to feel like they are your friend. Also being a part of a small college community and town community is great, and being able to give back to that is even better.

Teaching was what I always wanted to do and TWC solidified my decision to teach.

I love working with kids and I'm an athlete so the two just go together in a P.E job. It's also something I have found I am good at, so thought I would stick with it. When I graduate, I plan on moving back to New Zealand and hopefully find a job teaching.

I have been afforded many opportunities at TWC that I may not have received if I had attended another college or university. I have had the opportunity to coach soccer for young children in the community. Also, I have had the privilege of working with professors who challenged me and work with me so I can achieve my goal of finishing my college education in less than the typical four years.

I always strive to do the best I can, to achieve to the highest of my abilities, and to represent the college well when I'm in the schools student teaching. I am proud to be a TWC student and will be even more proud to call Tennessee Wesleyan my alma mater.