By Jeff Wilson

Teachers inspire future teachers, and such is the case for Tayler Threet.

A graduate of Pope County High School, Threet is studying secondary English education in SIU’s School of Education.

“I had amazing teachers in high school that were there for me as more than just as teacher,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be that kind of teacher for other students.”

Threet was accepted to many colleges around the country, but she wanted to stay close to home, so she chose SIU. She has received scholarship support, including the Bettye and Gene Lauderdale Scholarship.

“I am paying for college all on my own,” she said. “Any help I received has really helped. I’m so grateful for people that donate.”

While studying at SIU, Threet’s mother passed away. The support she has received from her professors – particularly Dr. Joe Shapiro and Dr. Anne Chandler – has strengthened her resolve to become a caring educator.

“Those two professors were really there for me,” said Threet, a Vienna native. “I don’t know that I could have gotten through that without them.”

Both the financial and moral support she has received at SIU has driven her closer to her goals.

“I’m grateful for people like that,” she said. “If I had the means, I would want to help others.”