Major: Intervention Specialist Education – Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Hometown: New Riegel, Ohio
After devoting much of her time to volunteering and service to the University and the Findlay community, Mariah Hohman will graduate with a degree in intervention specialist education and hopes to continue her journey in the Northwest Ohio area.
Hohman originally choosing the University for its pharmacy program and small class sizes but quickly realized that her calling was in the field of education.
“UF’s College of Education is much different from other colleges in that we have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience every year in the program,” said Hohman. “In my first semester, I traveled to area schools and worked with students in reading, which reinforced my decision to become a teacher.”
Hohman chose to enter UF’s intervention specialist education program with the help of Susan Brooks, assistant professor of education. Brooks made a special impact on Hohman’s life and serves as her advisor and mentor.
“Throughout my time at UF, I have learned much more about myself and who I would like to be,” said Hohman. “I have been able to serve in the Findlay community and form bonds with individuals I never would have had the chance to meet.”
During her time at UF, Hohman combined two of her passions: service and helping those in need. She founded the student organization Students Teaching Respect for Individuals with Disabilities Everyday (STRIDE) to advocate for and do service with individuals with disabilities.
“In the early part of 2012, I teamed up with my academic advisor to begin planning and recruiting members to form STRIDE,” said Hohman. “I talked with our Campus Compact Center on the UF campus, as well as various agencies in the community, to discuss our plans and goals.”
Led by Hohman, STRIDE served the community for the first time on April 19, 2012, with Special Kids Therapy (SKT.) Five students of STRIDE served side-by-side with individuals with disabilities to plant a garden for families who utilize SKT services.
“We now have over 35 members and have recorded well over 400 service hours with six different agencies,” said Hohman. “This has been my most memorable service experience and I am thrilled to have instilled the passion for service in many other students.”
While Hohman serves as STRIDE’s president, she is also the treasurer for Students for Alumni Relations (STAR) and the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. In addition, she is a member of The University of Findlay Ohio Student Education Association (UFOSEA) and Habitat for Humanity.
Through Habitat for Humanity, Hohman participated in alternative spring break trips. “I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve on three trips and build homes for many different families,” she said.
Hohman says that nothing learned in class has as much impact as hands-on experience does. “Education students participate in field experience every year in the program and I have had the chance to work with students of all ages at a multitude of schools in Findlay and Hancock County,” she said.
Hohman will graduate in December and hopes to work in the Findlay or Northwest Ohio area at a school facility for students with moderate to profound disabilities.
“As far as long-term educational plans go, I hope to attend Kent State University and obtain an Autism Spectrum Intervention Specialist certificate,” said Hohman. “I also plan to get a master’s degree in Special Education-Moderate to Intensive Educational Needs a few years down the road.”
Written by Sarah Foltz
