Failing out of engineering, Mr. Meulenberg decided to become a history teacher.
He started his college career in an engineering program, intending to achieve success. It ended up being immensely difficult, and he soon found himself struggling, finding it hard to ask for help. This was one of the most impactful and significant moments in his life, as it marked a major setback.
“I never really loved engineering,” he said, “…but it was what people were doing, so I was like, I’m going to do that too.”
Initially, Meulenberg didn’t inform his parents of his failing, but they soon found out once he switched his major to teaching at Grand Valley State University. After some reflection, he chose to pursue teaching when he realized he enjoyed helping his dad coach his younger brother's 6th and 7th-grade basketball team. Now, he helps teach history in Mr. Blood’s class and hopes to teach World History as it is his favorite subject.
As a student teacher and college student at 24, Meulenberg’s life has become busier and filled with lots of challenges. Due to the heavy workload, he spends much of his free time doing homework and lesson planning.
“It’s challenging,” he said. “You don’t know what will work yet or not.”
Twice a week, he attends school at night, which takes up most of his day. Despite this, he believes student teaching is helpful and valuable. On the other hand, though, he feels that college classes are too long and much less impactful.
“(Being a student teacher) really helps you get comfortable in classrooms,” Meulenberg explained.
Outside of school, Mr. Meulenberg tends to hang out with his friends and family. Often, he helps his dad run the house and watches the Michigan football games. He tries to work out and has dinner with his family as well. At the end of the week, he sometimes goes golfing with his three younger siblings, Carson, Miya, and Dane, and his parents.
Another sport he enjoys playing is basketball; having played for four years in high school, he hopes to coach a basketball team when he becomes a teacher.
.
