Elementary Education
Beth Koski
Beth came to Finlandia after one year at our neighboring school, Michigan Technological University. Her high school cumulative GPA was 4.0 and her Finlandia cumulative GPA was 3.83 in the Elementary Education program.

Beth holds Women’s Basketball school records for most points scored in a season, most points scored in a career, best career scoring average, most career field goals made, most career three point field goals scored, most career rebounds, most career steals, best career rebounding average, best career free throw percentage, most points in one game, and most rebounds in a season. She also was recognized nationally as a two-time All-American for academics and athletics in 2003 and 2004, and finished her career as the tournament Most Valuable Player in the National Championship year of 2004.

Beth currently teaches a sixth grade classroom at her K-12 alma mater, Baraga Area Schools. Beth also still is involved with the Finlandia Women’s Basketball program, serving as an assistant coach.

A GLIMPSE AT GROWTH  by Beth Koski

As my four years at Finlandia come to a close, I would like to reflect on the journey and more importantly, my resulting individual growth. My previous intuition was that college was about learning the x’s and o’s, but that notion has altered greatly. The following is an attempt at capturing the depth and breadth of learning that I have experienced at Finlandia University.

One of the biggest questions that I found myself pondering before my educational experience at Finlandia was, “When I leave here, will I be prepared to guide, inspire and teach a group of youngsters?” My “real world” was going to be a classroom, and I wanted to be prepared in the most optimal manner so that I could enter my first classroom with a legitimate and deserved sense of confidence. I faced the true start of a rigorous, precise path of preparation in my education methods classes. I began my own process of learning. Here I limit my choice of words to “learning,” but the vast profoundness of that word goes beyond limits. Our class explored learning styles, created classroom discipline plans, viewed professional educators, constructed and reconstructed philosophies on education, listened to our classmate’s experiences, taught in super valuable field experiences, and all along the way with the careful guidance of our instructors. My path to preparation wouldn’t have been as enjoyable or advantageous had I not been surrounded by a group of people that became more like a family than just an ordinary group of classmates.

Arguably the best way to learn is by doing. As I am completing my student teaching, I am beginning to really grasp the understanding of and visualize the true depth of the teaching profession. Because of my preparation, I am not only confident in front of the classroom and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. Every day I am finding new ways to implement my philosophy of education into my teaching style. I am transferring the knowledge that I have gained in my classes to my new fourth grade class. I look at this student teaching experience as a chance to learn, and I know that I will be a lifelong learner myself. My philosophy of education is what guides me in my classroom and is what I base the many decisions that teachers have to make each day on. The classroom is a comfort zone for me and it feels like my domain. My question has been answered, and yes, Finlandia has prepared me to guide, inspire and teach this class.

Finlandia has also provided me with an opportunity to do something that I love: play basketball. I believe that Finlandia attracts players for the right reasons versus other schools, where the lure of scholarships, nice facilities, or the desire for personal accolades that so many players seek, are present. All of the players on our team are playing college basketball for one reason: a love of the game. I am thankful that although I may not be the most athletic or talented player, that I do have the will to win, a desire to compete, a willingness to work hard, and a passion for the game. For those reasons and those reasons alone, I am a college basketball player. Basketball at Finlandia to me is all about the heart.

The lessons that I have learned from playing basketball are incredible. Hard work and dedication have taken on entirely new meanings to me. They aren’t merely words that sound good, and to me they are not words that people should use loosely. They remind me of the hours and hours of doing drills, lifting weights, running, playing, practicing and then doing it all over again. Day in and day out, and there are no days off. Also, I have learned not to be afraid to make mistakes. I now understand that the mistakes that I have made are chances to learn. I can appreciate and recognize the “little things” that are vital factors in the overall success of all functioning systems. Though it wasn’t without pain, I have gained a deep understanding of the value of doing what is right, regardless of how difficult the task. Being surrounded by some amazing individuals in my teammates and coaches, I have matured as much off the court as I have on the court. Perhaps my most difficult challenge will be to say goodbye to the game and my Finlandia basketball family.

Being a leader isn’t always an easy or favorable task. While at Finlandia, I have been a member of the Leadership program in Student Life. Through this I have started the Finlandia Honor Society during my freshman year, and I have continually worked to develop and grow this program. Being an active member of the Student Senate and a leader for a student group on-campus has taught me to deal with situations and people that I may have otherwise avoided. I have learned the necessary skills to communicate and work cooperatively with a variety of people. I have been looked to for leadership by other students, and I have had to learn to lead by example. Being a leader of any type challenges one in nearly every aspect of life: mentally, socially, physically and emotionally.

Overall, I feel that I am prepared to become a leader in the profession of education because of the variety of learning experiences that I have gone through during my four years at Finlandia University. Though I will surely miss several of the special opportunities that the university has offered me, I am looking forward to moving into the next stage of my life. I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to all who have worked so hard to make me who I am through this experience.

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Elementary Education

Mark Nolan

                                        The Right Choice
Up until May 1999, I was uncertain about where I wanted to attend college. I knew it was a big decision so I certainly didn’t want to make the wrong one. The popular choice after graduating from Munising High School was to attend Northern Michigan University. However, I wasn’t too sure that I wanted to settle into the reality of “just being another number”. Unfortunately that is the reality you face when attending many of the larger universities.

Then in late May of that year, I saw that Finlandia was holding tryouts for its upstart basketball program. I was definitely interested in the possibility of continuing to play a game I enjoyed so much. Well, I did decide to attend the tryout. Coach VanDamme expressed his interest and the rest is history.

Looking back at that decision and how my life has unfolded since, I can honestly say that I haven’t regretted a minute of it. Finlandia provided me with the opportunity to grow both socially and academically.

Socially, I had the opportunity to share my experiences with people who have become some of my best friends in life. I attribute these relationships in part to the opportunity that Finlandia gave me. The atmosphere at Finlandia alone promotes the possibility of developing these positive relationships, due to its smaller class sizes. This allows students to not only view other students as mere associates, but it also allows students to develop friendships well beyond the confines of education.

Academically, I believe that I received a top of the line education from Finlandia. Smaller class sizes, helpful instructors, and group study / tutoring opportunities all contributed to the academic success I had at Finlandia. Even if you consider yourself a sub par student, the support at Finlandia is at hand to help you realize your potential. Indeed, the path to receiving a degree in Elementary Education was rigorous at times. However, in hindsight, I am grateful that we were expected to reach such high standards. The program is designed to test your determination in becoming an educator. I’ve learned since that the program not only taught me the intricacies of teaching, but it also demanded industriousness. This is a quality that is an absolute necessity in the teaching profession.

Reflecting back on my five years spent at Finlandia, I can confidently say that I don’t have any regrets whatsoever. I’m not sure just anyone can say the same for their college experience. My social and educational experience at Finlandia has put me in a position to be successful in life and for that I am truly grateful.

Myles McCormack

“Finlandia provides an excellent foundation for an individual to build on to be successful in a law enforcement career,” said Captain Myles B. McCormack, Eighth District Commander for the Michigan State Police (MSP).
As district commander, Captain McCormack oversees the operation of 13 MSP posts covering 15 counties in the Upper Peninsula. McCormack joined the Department of State Police in September 1985. Prior to his employment with the Michigan State Police, McCormack was a patrol officer for the City of Houghton Police Department.
McCormack credits his successful career to “an excellent educational background starting with my attendance at Suomi College.” He graduated from the Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy in 1980, and completed Department of State Police Recruit School in early 1986. In 1999, he graduated from the 197th session of the FBI National Police Academy in Quantico, VA.

“I owe a lot of my success to the education I received at Suomi College,” said McCormack. “A quality educational foundation is critically important in developing the job skills necessary to be successful in law enforcement.”

“A career in law enforcement provides a wide array of employment opportunities. It is all dependent upon an individual’s interest and desire.” McCormack adds that what is most important is to “focus on that desire and then work towards obtaining the educational background to support your particular interest.”

“Over the course of years, I have worked with and recommended for employment many Finlandia graduates,” said McCormack. He reports that Finlandia grads are well prepared. “It is important for individuals to give themselves every advantage possible, including obtaining a college degree,” he said.

“The personal and professional rewards of a law enforcement career reside in the ability to help someone during difficult and/or trying times. As a law enforcement officer, it is most gratifying to provide public safety and service to ensure the well being of citizens across the Upper Peninsula,” said McCormack.