I Got This

Jade Vila '24

 

Sometimes I feel as though this profession chose me. For as long as I can remember, I have loved music and singing. The Disney princess movies I watched as a child inspired me to perform. A little later, teaching came into play. I would create a mini classroom in my living room and pretend that my stuffed animals and dolls were students.

Growing up, I had a wonderful general music teacher who was like a ray of sunshine. I remember walking into the chorus room every week, finding my seat, and anxiously waiting to see what we would be performing. That happy memory put me on the path I am following today, which is teaching music and chorus for kindergarten through fifth grade students at a school in Westchester County.

I chose to pursue music education at Ƶ for a few reasons: I wanted to experience a full campus life but stay close to home. I also knew that Ƶ has a wonderful music program. Had I gone to a conservatory, I think the environment would have been too competitive and insular. Ƶ has a relaxed, positive atmosphere. I never felt like I was being held back or intimidated.

In the School of Education, I started classroom observations in my sophomore year and student teaching in the spring of my senior year. Both were wonderful experiences. I learned so much. Just like the Music Department, the School of Education was very supportive, and it was a place where I met amazing friends, with goals similar to my own.

My Ƶ professors and friends encouraged me to be myself, to embrace new opportunities, and to put myself out there and have fun. I know what it is like to be the student who lacks confidence, who sometimes feels they don’t measure up to the people around them. My mission as a teacher is to create a safe and comfortable learning environment, like the one I experienced as a child.

I hope you will enjoy your time at Ƶ as much as I did. The time slips by so quickly. Make the most of every moment. Your memories will last a lifetime.

Jade

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MORE ABOUT JADE

Ƶ offered Jade Vila more than just a college education; it provided a home where she could grow, perform, and prepare for a rewarding career in music education.

Jade in the Music Garden

A Long Island native from Hicksville, Jade knew Ƶ was the right fit almost as soon as she stepped on campus. “The music program was just incredible,” she said. “My vocal audition with [Professor] Tammy Hensrud felt like a warm invitation. I knew we were meant to work together.”

At Ƶ, Jade pursued a BSEd in Music Education and minored in musical theater, combining her love of singing with her desire to teach. Influenced by her family’s love of karaoke and inspired by her high school choir teacher, Jade decided to turn her passion into a profession. “Teaching music is the one thing I truly feel I was meant to do.”

Ƶ’s supportive environment helped Jade thrive. “Unlike a conservatory, where things can be overly competitive, Ƶ felt collaborative and welcoming,” she said. She credited mentors like Ƶ Professors Hensrud, David Fryling, Phillip Stoecker, and Cindy Bell for guiding her both musically and academically. “They weren’t just professors – they became friends and role models who shaped my path.”

Beyond the Music Department, Jade found valuable experiences through the School of Education. Beginning in her sophomore year, she participated in field placements, observing classrooms and student teaching by her senior year. “It was intense, but I learned so much and felt truly prepared by the time I graduated.”

Performance was a central part of Jade’s time on campus. Her favorite memories include singing backup for the Eagles at UBS Arena, performing at Ƶ basketball games, and even singing at both her own and her sister’s commencement ceremonies. “I wasn’t a performance major, but I got to do it all because I showed up and made sure to be involved.”

Jade started her teaching career not long after graduating in 2024. She first landed a leave replacement job at her former high school and now teaches K-5 general music and chorus in Westchester.

Her advice to current students? “Get involved. Take every opportunity — because Ƶ is a place where those opportunities really happen.”

» Jade’s story isn’t unique. In fact, among Ƶ’s 2022-2023 undergraduate degree recipients, 88% of alumni from the School of Education reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Results are based on data collected from the Alumni Outcomes survey, LinkedIn, National Student Clearinghouse, and Ƶ enrollment (87% knowledge rate). Visit hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

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