It's never too late for a career change
Graduate Profile: Dave McManus
Seeking a career change following an eye-opening experience as a Boy Scout leader, Dave McManus returned to school at 41 to pursue teaching, eventually finding his way to Governors State University's (GovState) Elementary Education bachelor's program.
As a husband and father of three, GovState meshed well with Dave's existing life, offering him the opportunity to follow his new-found passion. With graduation around the corner, Dave thinks back on his GovState journey that while challenging at times, paved the way for his new profession as a teacher.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to Governors State University?
Dave: In 1998 I became a mechanic, and in 2008 I became a Boy Scout leader. I was a leader in the Boy Scout program for the next 13 years. In those 13 years I was a leader, a mentor, a guide, and a friend. Those years have been some of the most meaningful years of my life. I decided I wanted my profession to carry that same meaning that I found in the Boy Scout program.
In 2017 I went back to school at 41 to earn my teaching degree in Elementary education. I started my journey at Kankakee Community College (KCC) and earned my associate degree. Being a husband and a father of three boys I needed to stay close so I could still work my job as a mechanic. GovState was close to home and the tuition was affordable.
Upon my first visit I really enjoyed the outside campus. I love spending time in nature, and often I would get to GovState early to walk around the lake. My walks around the campus helped me find a sense of peace and not feel so overwhelmed. The elementary program was excellent and what really made it special was the professors. The professors were professional and at the same time personal. I consider many of them mentors as well as lifelong friends. The program would not be the same without them. Going back to school is definitely challenging, and at times, an overwhelming journey, so many ups and downs. My support system was, and is, family, friends, and music. Driving from work to school, sometimes back to work, and then home, just to do it all again the next day gave me a lot of time to listen to music to keep my spirits up.
GovState Newsroom: What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Dave: Jump by Van Halen. It just reminded me that tough times come and go, and to keep moving forward and trust the process, you will get there.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Dave: I am currently a first grade science magnet teacher at Taft Elementary in Kankakee, Illinois. While I was attending college, another teacher and myself created a summer outdoor program called Forest School. The Forest School program was originally created to simply share our love of nature with children, but it quickly became so much more.
So many children spend too much time behind screens and indoors and it truly affects their emotional well being. The program gave students the opportunity to run outside, get dirty, cook over a fire, and most importantly have fun with their peers. Parents often commented on how their kids' interest and affinity for nature grew, how they became more aware and curious about the world around them. The goal is for it to become more integrated with the public school system, such as an after school program or Saturday school enrichment opportunity.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Dave: “Burn the ships!!” When you're up against overwhelming odds, you burn the ship that brought you to your destination. There is no turning back because there is only forward. It's not necessarily about being smart enough, but more about working hard, and trusting the process.