Aspen Shackleford

Carillon Communities represented in your section: Weather and Climate

Why do you teach IDEA101? I love to have the opportunity to work with Easton Hall residents in the classroom environment and help them with their transition to campus.

What excites you about design thinking? I love creative problem solving, so design thinking encourages me to think outside of the box.

What is special to you about Carillon Communities? Carillon Communities allows students to use design thinking to develop their own Maryland experience. The use of collaborative design thinking that the community encourages provides students with team-building opportunities and skills while also engaging them in ways that allows them to advocate for themselves and their futures. As a ResLife staff member, that is something that we want to see from all of our students so Carillon does a fantastic job of getting this started from day 1!

What do you do for fun? For fun, I enjoy reading YA fiction novels, making candles for my Etsy shop, and spending time with my pup. I am looking forward to cooler weather in the coming weeks so that I can take her on some long walks around campus.

If we held a talent show, what would be your act? Growing up I played three instruments. I’m a bit rusty now but I’d give a piano performance.

What is an experience that shaped you as a teacher (or learner)? My 10th grade English teacher was hands down the best teacher I’ve ever had and still shapes me today. She did a phenomenal job of making herself relatable to students and keeping us engaged through discussion as opposed to a lecture-style environment. As a shy person, this was always difficult for me at first, but as an adult who also teaches class, I recognize the ways that it can eventually bring even the quietest of people out of their comfort zone.

Where are you from? I am a Marylander, born and raised. Bring on the crab cakes and Old Bay!

You can ask me about: a YA book recommendation, crafting, and the best hidden places on campus.