Major: Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Minor: Special Education
Hometown: Erie
Scholarships: I received the Penn State Behrend academic scholarship.
On choosing his major: I have always wanted to work with children and make a difference. I never had a male teacher until I was in middle school, so I want to be a male figure for students in elementary school.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Making the Dean’s List every semester.
A tough start: Like most of my fellow graduates this year, I had to start my college career in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020. It was very difficult because college is all about meeting new people and making connections, and that’s hard to do when you’re taking classes online and cannot even be in the same room together. The good thing is that it all worked out eventually and now I have many new friendships that will last a lifetime.
Student involvement: I served as treasurer, then vice president for Penn State Behrend’s Student PSEA Club; vice president for the Disabilities Awareness and Resources for Equity (DARE) Club; and I was a School of Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador.
Will travel, by bike: I love going on bike rides around town when I have the time.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: Although I am a horrible basketball player, one of my favorite activities every summer is volunteering for the Shriners Children’s Erie wheelchair basketball program. I have so much fun playing basketball with the kids.
Teacher goals: My highest priority going forward is to make a positive difference in students’ lives as well as provide them with a memorable and meaningful education.
Come as you are, kiddos: I am passionate about educating children and providing them a welcoming environment where they can be themselves.
Advice for first-year students: Something that wish I had done more as a first-year student was study and do my homework outside on nice days because Behrend’s campus is really beautiful.
Max plans to find work as an elementary school teacher in the Erie area.