From Communication to the Classroom: Bella‑Rose’s Journey into Teaching
Bella‑Rose Kozy entered Purdue knowing she belonged in the College of Liberal Arts, drawn to the humanities from a young age. Early coursework, especially COM 100, sparked her interest in science and technology communication as well as business communication. This exploration led her to pursue a degree in communication, a minor in global studies and a certificate in data science.
A multicultural education course became a turning point, helping her understand how she wanted to frame the world through multiculturalism and influencing her post‑graduation direction.
The summer before her senior year, Bella‑Rose participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, where she worked with 23 fellows from across Africa, broadened her worldview and confirmed her desire to work closely with people.
“It helped me realize that I want to be a hands-on person, helping people learn more about the world around them, and themselves," she said.
During this experience, she connected with a community member who encouraged her to apply for Teach for America, setting her next steps in motion.
Teach For America wasn’t part of her original plan, but its mission resonated deeply with her long‑standing commitment to underserved communities. That commitment had already taken root at Purdue’s LGBTQ Center, where she began working in August 2023. There, she helped secure $21,000 in grant funding through the Student Funding Advisory Board, an accomplishment that strengthened her interest in nonprofit work and expanded her understanding of community advocacy.
After a rigorous application process that included essays, an interview, a case study and a sample lesson, she was accepted. Bella-Rose begins teaching in Philadelphia this fall.
Her virtual training begins in May, followed by in‑person training in July. She will move to Philadelphia in June after graduation.
For Bella‑Rose, teaching means creating a space where students feel valued, heard and empowered to make sense of the world in their own way. She hopes her students leave her classroom with confidence and a sense of belonging.
Looking ahead, she envisions spending five to 10 years in the classroom before transitioning into nonprofit work. Bella-Rose shared, “Success is thinking about how I’m going to grow and learn from this experience.”
If she could speak to her first‑year self, she would say, “Take a deep breath, I just wish I could have trusted that the future would turn out all right.” To other CLA students considering a similar path, her advice is simple: even if it feels intimidating, it is still worth pursuing.
With a move to Philadelphia ahead, and a new community waiting, Bella‑Rose is ready to begin her next chapter.