Nayeli Samaguey (BA, elementary education, 2025), born and raised in Melba, Idaho, has always had a passion for working with children while helping them learn and grow.
“I believe that education is a powerful tool for change, and I want to be part of that change,” Samaguey said.
After interning in a bilingual classroom at Reed Elementary in Kuna, Idaho, Samaguey graduated, earning certifications to teach all subjects from kindergarten through eighth grade. She is also certified in English as a second language and bilingual education for kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Though being a first-generation student comes with challenges, Samaguey found mentorship in high school through TRIO Upward Bound the federal program that helps high school students from low-income homes or those who will be first-generation students prepare for college. She was also encouraged by her professors at Boise State and her parents, who wanted a better life for themselves and Samaguey.
“Though my parents never went to college, they supported my dreams and have been with me every step of the way,” Samaguey said. “They knew college was in my future before I knew.”
Samaguey studied with the assistance of the John Vallega Scholarship and the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship during her junior and senior years at Boise State. The state-funded Idaho Opportunity Scholarship helps Idaho residents access higher education.
The teacher education program in the College of Education provides an immersive experience for teacher candidates, pairing them with a mentor teacher in a classroom to ensure candidates have on-the-job experience and are prepared when they graduate.
Margaret Mulhern, a clinical professor in the College of Education, taught Samaguey in three courses on instructing and assessing multilingual learners and was her supervisor during her last semester. In every class, Mulhern said, Samaguey invested herself in class content, collaborated with her peers and connected to her own life experiences as a bilingual and bicultural student. “Most of all,” Mulhern added, “Nayeli has deeply valued her education, building strong relationships with her classmates, professors, mentor teachers, kindergarten students and their families. Nayeli will be a role model. It has been a pleasure to see her dedication to the teaching profession.”
With new experience leading a classroom, Samaguey said she has already seen her young students grow. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them grasp new concepts and develop their skills. Building relationships with them and being part of their learning journey has truly been a highlight of my experience.”
By Carrie Quinney