Meet first year student Eliana Geva. She traveled over 1,500 miles from home in Houston, Texas to join Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A first-year early childhood education major, Geva is balancing the demands of being a Division I student-athlete on the women’s fencing team with her passion for becoming an educator.
Geva’s journey to Temple began with fencing. Recruited by the university’s prestigious program, she was drawn not only to sports but also to the CEHD, where she could pursue her longtime dream of teaching. “I’ve always loved working with kids,” she explains. “In high school, I took education classes and even did some student teaching. That’s when I realized this is what I want to do.”
Her inspiration comes from home. With a mother who worked in music therapy and a father who coaches fencing, Geva grew up surrounded by adults who dedicated their lives to teaching and mentoring. “Both of my parents showed me the importance of guiding others, and that really influenced my decision to go into education,” she says.
Since arriving at Temple, Geva has been adjusting well to both her classes and city life. She especially enjoys her Introduction to Numbers and Figures course, which she admits is challenging but rewarding. “It’s tough, but I know I’ll use what I’m learning in the future,” she shares. She also values the chance to connect with other education majors in class and at campus events.
Outside of academics and athletics, Geva has found community through Chabad at Temple, where she participates in events and gatherings. She has also enjoyed exploring Philadelphia, especially Center City and the Reading Terminal Market, which she describes as one of her favorite spots for food and city energy.
Her favorite on-campus memory so far has been Convocation and Welcome Week, where she felt the excitement of joining the Temple community for the first time.
Looking ahead, Geva is eager to begin student teaching. She hopes to teach fourth or fifth grade, focusing on math or science subjects she feels passionate about. More than anything, she looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and preparing them for success.
Geva says she hopes to bring kindness, hard work and joy into her future classroom. Inspired by her high school teacher Ms. Veronica Brittain, she wants her students to feel supported and motivated to do their best while also appreciating life’s small surprises.
Balancing academics and athletics is no easy task, but fencing has taught her discipline and resilience that translates directly into her studies. “Fencing is all about being level-headed. It reminds me not to give up whether it’s in practice, competition or preparing for a tough test.”
As for advice to future students considering attending the CEHD and choosing a career in education, Geva is clear: “If you feel called to teaching, go for it. It’s rare to find people who genuinely want to be educators, but if you see yourself enjoying it even just a little, you owe it to yourself to explore that path.”
With her determination, compassion and love of learning, Geva embodies what it means to be a Temple Owl and a future leader in education.