My name is Carissa Leonard, I am a sophomore at Arizona State University and am majoring in elementary education. I am from a small town in California called Mariposa; it is considered the gateway to Yosemite National Park. Although I love my hometown and the small community that helped shape who I am, I knew I needed to be at a university that would challenge me to grow culturally. I came to Arizona State as a communications major and soon realize that teaching was where my heart was at. After one semester at ASU I switched my major to Elementary Education and now know that I have a passion for teaching. I have a strong love for younger students and can't wait to start my teaching career.