Caroline Cutrona attended Starpoint School at TCU, a laboratory school that provides children with learning disabilities the opportunity to reach their educational potential. She has now come full circle as an early childhood education major with an emphasis in special education. Learn more about her journey from Starpoint to the COE and what inspired her to study education at TCU.
How was your Starpoint experience?
It was like I was a piece of wood and the teachers were the carpenters. They saw potential in me that I did not initially see and were willing to sharpen and challenge me to shape me into the person I am today. Starpoint taught me to fight for what I believe in, set goals, work hard, work hard again and achieve those goals. They taught me that, often times, when life starts to get hard, that is when your life is just beginning. Starpoint changed my life.
Attending Starpoint also helped me realize that I was different than my friends at other schools, but that my difference was a good thing rather than something that I needed to be ashamed of. At Starpoint, I was encouraged to think creatively and stand tall in my difference. My uniqueness was my superpower.
When did you know you wanted to pursue teaching?
I’ve always enjoyed being a source of inspiration among the people in my life. Many friends would call me the “dreamer” of the group, always looking ahead at the endless possibilities that life offers, even the far… far-fetched ones. But this was something I loved to do and something that I wanted to do for others.
What’s your favorite part about TCU so far?
I think my favorite part about TCU so far is the people. I have loved getting to branch out and meet and learn from so many beautiful people. It’s exciting to wake up every morning and think about making a new friend.
What are you plans for the future?
Well, I guess the first thing is that I hope to pursue a master’s degree in special education. After this, however, I want to go and see the world. I would love to teach abroad in a different country for a couple years, maybe learn a new language along the way, and immerse myself in beautiful nature. I would love to meet Jane Goodall and go live with the chimps, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and lead future generations into a world of possibility and beauty. I am not sure where I’ll end up but I’m excited to see what happens!
