Student Spotlight: Ceara D'Chon Camargo and Madison Fitch
When Ceara D'Chon Camargo and Madison Fitch were looking at where to go to college after graduation, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma was a natural choice as they are both legacy students, meaning they have family members who previously attended USAO.
Camargo, a senior history major, grew up in the Chickasha community where both of her parents studied at USAO. Despite her father's career as a traveling nurse and her mother's work in business, Camargo was drawn to history by her inspiring teachers and longstanding interest in the subject.
“One of my proudest achievements is being able to graduate early. I have many ideas for careers in mind, including archeology, museum studies, linguistics or law,” said Camargo. “My major provides valuable insight into what has happened in the world previously and how eerily similar it is to today.”
Like Camargo, both of Fitch’s parents are proud Drovers. Fitch is a senior physical education major with teacher certification. Only 30 minutes from her hometown of Dibble, and with her grandmother just down the road Fitch has been able to stay close to family as she has transformed from student into student teacher.
“I have experienced so much personal growth over the three years I have been here,” said Fitch. “The critical thinking emphasis that is embedded into the courses as well as the co-teaching and peer learning aspects have totally transformed the way I look at the world and how I think. I have also become much more social and willing to venture outside of my comfort zone.”
Fitch’s father is a team leader at the Hobby Lobby warehouse where he has proudly worked for 26 years. Her mother taught secondary family and consumer sciences education and was a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America advisor for 20 years. After going to graduate school in her 40’s and attaining a master’s degree in psychology, she now works as a school psychologist for the Moore Public Schools district.
After graduation, Fitch hopes to work as a middle school or high school teacher and coach at a smaller rural district in Oklahoma. She credits the student teaching portion of her degree for preparing her for her future career.
As these legacy students prepare for graduation and embark on their respective journeys, they will carry with them the enduring family legacy of their alma mater and the profound impact it has had on their lives.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.