Robert Noyce Scholarship Program

Current Scholars Archive

Meet Noyce Scholar Tessa Thornes

Name: Tessa Thornes

Grew up in: Ridgefield, WA

Currently Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics

Pursuing Certification in: Washington State Teacher Certification for Secondary Mathematics.

Intended level of teaching: Secondary

What teacher or professor has been most influential in your life?
Mr. Dennett was very inspirational to me in my high school Spanish class. Mr. Dennett always had time for students to come in during lunchtime and talk or receive help from homework. He also loved to tell stories about his crazy stepbrother Bruce, and was able to relate to his students on a personal level. Mr. Dennett has inspired me to become a teacher who cares about her students.

Tell us a bit about your decision to pursue a career in math education?
I have always loved mathematics growing up. Most of my middle school and high school years, I wanted to become a research chemist. However, I soon realized that I wanted to work with people. Then, I realized that I wanted to teach. I wasn’t sure exactly what subject I wanted to teach until I took high school calculus. I fell in love with mathematics and decided that I wanted to impart my passion for math on high school students.

Why Seattle Pacific University?

I had always wanted to go to a Christian university and Seattle Pacific was the perfect choice. Being only three hours away from home was the perfect distance to be independent, but still close to home. I also knew that SPU had a good education program and an amazing Christian community.

What has been your greatest challenge this past year?
My greatest challenge this past year was to learn to trust God with my career and college plans. I had applied to become a Peer Advisor last winter in hopes to use my gifts to serve God in the dorms. However, God had a different plan. At the time, I was very disappointed at not becoming a PA. Once the summer began, it became clear to me why God had better plan for my life. I met the man of my dreams this summer, and I realized that if I become a Peer Advisor, I wouldn’t have been able to pour my life into the girls on my floor and also maintain a long-distance relationship. Although I have had many disappointments this year, God ultimately taught me to trust in his plan.

What are you most excited to be offering to your students?
I am most excited to offer my students the passion I have for math. I also am excited to offer my bubbly personality and my energy. I hope to harness this energy into a rich learning environment where my students can grow as mathematicians and as citizens of society.

Any experiences are you currently looking forward to in this coming year?
I am excited to have more classroom experience from Methods Quarter in the Spring. It will be such an amazing experience to be with students for an entire school day each week and truly observing the essence of a math teacher.