Learn more about T. Acosta, a Double Duck graduating from our UOTeach program, through our Graduate Spotlight series

“I have never felt as connected to a group of academic peers as I have within UOTeach.” – T. Acosta

Meet T. Acosta. who is a Double Duck graduating from our UOTeach program. As a Summit Scholar undergraduate student, T. majored in English and received a certificate in Educational Foundations. 

During their time as an undergraduate and graduate student, T. has been involved in the English Undergraduate Organization and ASUO. They served as the layout director of Art Ducko Magazine, where they developed their skills in collaboration and coordination to develop and print a campus publication. They also got to act and dive deeper into their interest in Shakespeare through Shakesqueer, which produces the Bard's plays through an LGBTQ+ affirming lens. 

T. appreciates how the UOTeach cohort experience has shaped their academic experience. Following graduation, T. plans to become a middle or high school ELA teacher in the local area and continue serving the Eugene/Springfield community.

Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA

Undergraduate major and minor: English and Educational Foundations - Secondary (certificate) 
Graduate major: Curriculum and Teaching (UOTeach) 

Did you have any clubs/organizations/resources that had a positive impact on you during your time at the UO? What have you gained from being involved with these clubs/organizations/resources?

During my time at the UO, I have been involved in two organizations through the English Undergraduate Organization and through ASUO, and I have been able to continue my role in both throughout my time as a grad student! As the layout director of Art Ducko Magazine, I have learned about the collaboration and coordination it takes to develop and print a campus publication; I have deepened my understanding and appreciation of comics as an art and literary form through this experience as well. I've also gotten a chance to act and dive deeper into my interest in Shakespeare through Shakesqueer, which produces the Bard's plays through an LGBTQ+ affirming lens. 

Did you receive a scholarship to attend the University of Oregon?

I received the Summit scholarship during my time as an undergraduate student and have received the Thomson Family scholarship and the University High School scholarship during my time as a graduate student. 

What are your plans following graduation? 

I plan on hopefully becoming a middle or high school ELA teacher in the local area and continuing to serve the Eugene/Springfield community. 

What made your experience at UO special?

The cohort experience of my graduate program is indispensable. I have never felt as connected to a group of academic peers as I have within UOTeach, and I am so grateful to have learned alongside so many incredible educators over the course of the past year.