Future Teachers – Future Leaders Peer Mentors

Class: Junior
Endorsements: Special Education, Reading, and English language arts
Hometown: Bondurant, IA
About me:  My name is Lori Dvorak and I am from Bondurant, IA! I am currently a junior earning endorsements in special education, reading, and English language arts and this is my second semester being a peer mentor. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, yoga, and spending time at the lake. My favorite thing about Iowa State is the atmosphere at sporting events!

Class: Junior
Endorsements: Math, Reading, and Coaching
Hometown: Davenport, IA
About me: My name is Brenna Kundel, and I am from Davenport, Iowa. I am a junior with endorsements in Math, Reading, and Coaching, and I have a minor in Learning Technologies. In addition to being a peer mentor, I am also on the Dance Marathon committee and a Teacher’s Assistant for Math 195 and Math 196 professors. I enjoy both of these commitments very much, and I appreciate all of the lessons I’ve learned and opportunities I’ve been given while involved! What I like the most about ISU is the community aspect. This is where I met my best friends, and where I found the most welcoming and helpful staff. Someone is always there for you, whether it is to celebrate a success or to help you get back on your feet.

Class: Junior
Endorsements: Reading and English/Language Arts
Hometown: Carroll, IA
About me: My name is Mariah Heisterkamp and I am from Carroll, Iowa. I am a junior this fall, starting my second semester at Iowa State. I spent a year and a half at DMACC prior to transferring. My endorsements are in Reading and English/Language Arts and I am minoring in Learning Technologies. I am looking forward to my first semester being a peer mentor. What I love about Iowa State is being able to meet new people and develop relationships with other students and staff members. I love being at Iowa State because the environment is always uplifting and is truly a wonderful place to be.

Class: Sophomore
Endorsements: Reading, Special Education, and Coaching
Hometown: Denison, IA
About me: My name is Kambrie Dau. I was born and raised in Denison, Iowa. I am a sophomore at Iowa State University. My endorsements are in reading, special education, and coaching. In my free time, I love to spend time with my friends around campus, attend sporting events, and go home to see my family. My favorite thing about Iowa State is the atmosphere and the people. Iowa State has a beautiful campus that makes it feel like home. The people at Iowa State are also awesome because they are always there for you whenever you need anything.

Class: Junior
Endorsements: Reading, Social Studies and English Language Arts
Hometown: Keswick, IA
About me: My name is Hannah Miover and I am from Keswick, Iowa. I am a junior majoring in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading, Social Studies and English Language Arts. I am involved with several groups on campus, including the Family Relations committee with Iowa State Dance Marathon, peer mentor for the Christina Hixson Opportunity Awards, and I attend Kairos College Ministry. There are so many things I love about Iowa State!!! If I had to pick three I would say the campus (of course), Saturdays at Jack Trice Stadium, and all of the amazing people I’ve met since coming to ISU!

Class: Junior
Endorsements:  Reading and Social Studies
Hometown: West Des Moines, IA
About me: My name is DJ Duve. I am from West Des Moines, Iowa. I am a junior in the elementary education program, and am working to receive my endorsements in reading and social studies. Outside of class I coach baseball at a facility in Ames. Furthermore, while relaxing I enjoy watching TV and trying all the restaurants Ames has to offer. I love Iowa State because of the community feel that it presents. I think ISU does a great job making college feel like home!

Class: Junior
Endorsements: Math and Reading
Hometown: Grimes, IA
About me: Hello everyone! My name is Maddie Ekdom and I am from Grimes, Iowa. I am starting my junior year this fall. I am majoring in Elementary Education with endorsements in math and reading, as well as minors in Psychology and Learning Technologies. My dream job is to teach Kindergarten or 1st grade. I am involved in Dance Marathon, ISU 4U Promise, and I am a member of Gamma Phi Beta. In my free time I enjoy spending time outside, reading, watching Netflix, and hanging out with friends! I love Iowa State because there are so many amazing opportunities for students and the campus is absolutely beautiful!