At Northern Arizona University, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, to earn a degree and find a passion worth studying. While the road ahead may be filled with bumps and obstacles, stumbling and falling does not force the few to stop and take a rest.

The College for Education at NAU is known for being a leader in educational systems and methods in the state of Arizona, and even the United States. NAU is the trailblazer of educational innovations in recent years.

Three students, in particular, have been striving for their personal goals and aspirations but are all walking toward the same dream.

A native of a small town in Colorado, McKayla Jackson has always known she wanted to become a teacher. A sophomore and education major, Jackson has her sights set on achieving her profession.

“I actually hated the school system so much that I switched to an online school and finished there,” said Jackson.

The education system in her hometown was abysmal. Poor management and childcare were the problems that constituted the situation back home.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to teach because I want to make a difference in the horrible things that I saw back home,” said Jackson.

Jackson’s decision to become a teacher had astonishing beginnings. Hating the school system was the spark that ignited her path. After her decision to finish high school online, she proceeded with a look at NAU. Before she knew it, Jackson found her dream school.

“In addition to loving the Flagstaff style, I solidified my urge to come to this school,” said Jackson.

Having always known her career path, Jackson took the profound opportunity of taking education foundation classes. The decision was made, McKayla Jackson wanted to become a teacher.

“I want to be someone who is able to go in and make a change, those for who come before and after me,” said Jackson.

After the journey of visiting elementary school classrooms in the Flagstaff Unified School District, she soon found a passion for teaching children with special needs and learning disabilities. Absolutely loving working with children is the path of McKayla Jackson.

“The school district where I’m from was lacking in necessary tools in regards to understanding kids of special education needs,” said Jackson.

Junior and education major Angela Connell is another individual who has chosen the path to be a teacher. Like McKayla Jackson, her path on her chosen career field has been stressful, but worth it.

Even before establishing NAU as her second home, Connell was at the crossroads of choosing her future. Well-thought out planning soon earned Connell her second home. Her love blossomed for this mountain community, but the flower halted once more as her future was in dire need of planning.

Delving into fitness wellness classes was something she seriously considered. But as time went on, her time at NAU was diving down towards a path of uncertainty.

“As soon as it started, I decided it wasn’t something that I enjoyed doing anymore,” said Connell.

Sure enough, taking education foundation classes at the College of Education, Connell discovered her love for teaching and working with children. Her decision gave her life happiness and knowing what she wants to do in her life.

“I chose this career path because I enjoy working with children, making a change both in their world and mind,” said Connell.

This pathway is already leading her to greatness. Starting a job within one year, and hopefully become a student teacher in Phoenix, she juggles both her dream career and keeping contact with her family. It will be a challenge, but her love for teaching will keep her spirits strong and high.

“Earning my master's degree and moving to a state with a great education program is on my list, but for now, Flagstaff is my current goal in earning a job,” said Connell.

Junior and education major, Chelsea Schoech, is another young, prospective student in the same career path, aiming her life toward becoming a teacher.

Schoech’s path was turbulent, and filled with hard work. Growing up with siblings to take care of and a mother striving to make ends meet with two jobs, it was that pivotal moment in her life that set her path in motion.

“I have always tried to set a positive example for my younger siblings; I need to strive to be better,” said Schoech.

Her siblings were one of the few catalysts in Chelsea’s life that made her into the young women that she is today. By setting a positive example, her siblings desire to follow in Schoech's footsteps.

As quickly as high school passed, Schoech kept a particular school on her radar. A Christian school, Grand Canyon School, was the chosen establishment that she set her sights on. Her faith life lead her to an unexpected decision that would change everything.

“After a lot of consideration and prayer, it was then that I realized my prayers financially had been answered,” said Schoech.

Finances were an issue, but her heart, mind and soul told her to attend NAU. Falling in love with the education program and its opportunities were enough to sign on the dotted line and say yes.

Attending more and more classes made Schoech realize a passion for working with children.

“All my life, I found myself very passionate about working with children,” said Schoech.

Volunteering and attending Sunday school classes were the advantages that drove Schoech toward her dream goal. The real victory was discovering her passion, being around children and helping them succeed.

“There is no greater feeling within the classroom than to be a part of life-changing experiences," said Schoech.

She aspires to become an educator and work in creating a better education system. Challenging the future youth will be hard work, but her passion will fuel her love.

Three students with different backgrounds but the same goals -- all have the same desire to become better people.