Laura Jia McAneney, a senior in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University, has distinguished herself through her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. As an honors student majoring in secondary education world languages with a concentration in French, McAneney's path is shaped by her commitment to cultural understanding and fostering meaningful connections through languages.  

Hailing from a small town around the Lake Wallenpaupack area, McAneney sought an environment that would push her out of her comfort zone, leading her to choose Temple University and Philadelphia. McAneney has found the diversity and vibrancy of the city refreshing. She shares, "I wanted to be in a place I didn't know much about, so I could expand my horizons."  

One of the most impactful parts of McAneney's academic experience has been the hands-on fieldwork through the CEHD. These experiences inspire her to pursue a teaching career in urban settings, where she can work with diverse student populations. "I really love the fieldwork that we do," she says. "Being inside the schools, especially since I'm not from Philly, has been so helpful before going out into the workforce. There's so much diversity here, and it's been an eye-opening experience to get to know the school system. It's very different from the environment I'm used to, but I've really enjoyed it." 

As an Asian American, she says she noticed a lack of representation of Asian educators in her community as she grew up. "I don't really see many Asian teachers or educators. I've never had that in my experience. I would love to make that a more normal thing to expect in schools and be that sort of representation for students." 

McAneney's fieldwork began in her sophomore year. Her experiences have varied from primarily observing classroom interactions to getting involved with teaching, offering her a glimpse into different types of classroom settings. "I've had classes where there were 40 students, but I've also worked one-on-one with them. The diversity of these experiences and the chance to be in different content areas has been invaluable," she recalls.  

McAneney especially appreciated her time spent at Thurgood Marshall School during the spring 2024 semester, which serves PreK-8 students. "I got to work directly with students and teach lessons," she says. "In one class, I worked one-on-one with students and taught a small group of English learners. And in another, I taught second and third-grade French students." 

She is currently completing fieldwork at Central High School for the fall 2024 semester. She is excited about the spring 2025 semester, where she'll gain even more practical skills through student teaching. 

McAneney's fascination with language began in high school, when she had the options to select among Spanish, German and French. "I chose French because I thought it was beautiful," she recalls. From there, her love for language and culture only grew. "I am very interested in learning other languages, including Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish. I would love to learn more languages in my lifetime."  

Her future career goals include the possibility of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). "For English learners in America, having that linguistic bridge is so important," McAneney explains. "That's a huge reason why I want to learn Spanish later, too." She is considering pursuing an ESL certificate from Temple, further strengthening her skillset. 

Throughout her academic career, McAneney has received numerous accolades that recognize her hard work and dedication. She has earned the prestigious Conwell Scholarship, named in honor of Russell Conwell, the founder of Temple University, for outstanding performance records. She was also honored with the Bernard J. Radoff, CLA '51, '68, Memorial, Marthe Lavallee-Williams Study Abroad and Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed scholarships. 

McAneney shares that she benefited greatly from the support of her professors, particularly Associate Professor Elvis Wagner, whom she credits with having a profound impact on her journey. "He knows me very well, and he's the one who really has helped me with my specific major," she says. "He has the knowledge, the advice and the experience that is really going to help me in my career."  

In addition, McAneney thanks her academic advisor Alison Warren for helping her navigate the degree program and staying on track academically. 

McAneney's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as she serves as a language tutor for both English and French at the Student Success Center at Temple University. "I really enjoy tutoring for probably obvious reasons," she says with a smile, adding that this role has allowed her to apply her passion for language in a practical, hands-on way, while also helping fellow students succeed.  

Her involvement doesn't stop there. McAneney is a member of several student organizations, including the Temple French Club and Tri-Alpha, an honor society for first-generation college students. She has also explored creative outlets through her involvement in dance clubs. "I'm a part of the Asian Student Association's K-pop dance group, Efix, and I recently joined TU Covers," McAneney explains. "It's just a really fun way to express myself, and it's a hobby I want to continue even after I graduate."  

Even as a senior, McAneney is still exploring new opportunities to engage with the community. She is considering joining Kappa Delta Pi, the International Education Honor Society, and is looking into volunteering with the Office of Children and Families in Philadelphia. "Even though I'm close to graduating, I want to make the most of my time here."  

At the heart of McAneney's passion for education is her belief in the transformative power of language learning. "I think it's important for one to learn a new language. It's mainly the cultural competency that you gain from it and the understanding of other people's perspectives," she explains. "What makes a person themselves is the way that they think and understand the nuances of their culture and humor. Language absolutely shapes how we interact with people."  

McAneney's dedication to language learning has also taken her abroad. Last year, she participated in a study abroad program in Paris, an experience that significantly improved her French skills and gave her a taste of life abroad. "That was amazing, I loved it," she says. "It made me more comfortable with the idea of going abroad in the future." 

As McAneney prepares to graduate, her sights are set on the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) program in France. "I'm currently applying for the Fulbright ETA in France, where I can teach English to French students," she explains. This opportunity would allow her to combine her love for French and English language education, while gaining international teaching experience.   

While she looks forward to her future abroad, McAneney remains deeply connected to Philadelphia. "I'm trying to absorb as much as I can about Philly, so that if I'm able to come back and get a job here, the city and its school system will be familiar to me," she says. McAneney's time in Philadelphia has left a lasting impression, and she is eager to contribute to the city's educational landscape in the future. 

Reflecting on her experiences at Temple, McAneney expresses gratitude for the opportunities she has had to grow both academically and personally. "Temple gives us opportunities to be part of the community," she says. "We're not all just visitors—we're participants."  

Laura McAneney is on her path to becoming a dedicated educator who is passionate about language, culture and making a difference in the world. Whether in Philadelphia or abroad, McAneney's commitment to education and community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the students and communities she serves.