Elly Gill '27 - Saying Yes to Opportunity

Elly Gill is a senior majoring in Special Education with a minor in UNCW’s Assistance Dog Training Program. A talent for running brought her from Frederick, Maryland, to UNCW, where she competed as a 400-meter hurdler on the track team during her freshman year. Once on campus, she began exploring new goals and interests, fueled by a desire to make an impact in the lives of others.

“One day, I saw an advertisement for the Watson College of Education on a screen in Fisher Student Center,” she said. “I scheduled a meeting with a coordinator at Watson, and that conversation helped me realize that teaching was my true passion. Learning how educators can positively impact and shape students’ lives inspired me, and I knew I wanted to be part of that work.”

Elly says she’s had a fabulous experience at Watson, where supportive professors and classroom field experiences have helped prepare her for a career in teaching.

“Having genuine conversations with educators who bring such strong academic knowledge and real-world experience has helped me learn how to teach students effectively in ways that are fun and memorable,” she said. “One of the best parts of the program is how quickly you can apply what you learn in class to your field experience. Field experiences also give you the chance to ‘stub your toe’ a little before entering the profession, which helps you feel more confident walking into your first day.”

Her decision to specialize in special education was shaped by her own experiences in school. As a student with an IEP, Elly often struggled to keep up academically and became discouraged. Now, she is determined to help other students find success.

“I want to help students build a positive mindset toward learning,” she said. “I never want a child to feel discouraged or unsupported in their learning. I believe every child with an IEP has unique strengths and talents, and with the right support from teachers, those strengths can truly shine.”

Through her early classroom experiences, Elly has already seen the impact a teacher can make.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than going home knowing you helped a student expand their knowledge or successfully taught a child to read!” she said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the goals you worked toward in class come to life in the classroom.”

Elly’s minor in UNCW’s Assistance Dog Training Program is a natural complement to her interest in teaching. Through the program’s partnership with the nonprofit organization paws4people, she has gained hands-on experience training service, facility and assistance dogs.

“You get to work with dogs all the time!” she said. “These dogs change people’s lives in ways similar to teachers; we help expand opportunities and support independence. Facility dogs in schools increase student motivation, provide emotional support, and create a sense of safety that humans alone cannot always offer.”

STETSON, the first dog Elly trained, holds a special place in her heart.

“What I enjoy most is watching dogs like STETSON grow into confident adult assistance dogs, looking at you with loving eyes, eager to please,” she said. “Seeing firsthand how these dogs positively impact people’s lives is truly life-changing, and I feel so fortunate that I have been able to be involved in this incredible experience.”

Elly says her years at UNCW have flown by. Along the way, she discovered a passion for teaching and dog training, rekindled her love of flag football through intramural sports, made lifelong friends and created memories she’ll always cherish.

“I believe college is all about leaving your past behind and creating a new foundation of interests, hobbies, and a renewed sense of self,” she said. “I made an effort to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity during my years at UNCW, and in doing so, I discovered the things that truly make me, me.”