How first-generation graduate Arianna Bermudez found her calling at IU Northwest

For third-grade teacher Arianna Bermudez, stepping into her classroom at Jefferson Elementary School in Hammond, Indiana, each morning is both a professional milestone and a personal triumph.

As a first-generation college graduate, Bermudez’s path to the front of the classroom wasn’t straightforward. Going to college was an expectation in her household, but after earning a degree in journalism, she realized her true passion was elsewhere.

Bermudez returned to Indiana University Northwest, earning a degree in elementary and special education in the spring of 2026 — a decision that transformed her life and honored her family’s long history of hard work and sacrifice.

“The degree is not just for me; it’s for them as well,” Bermudez said. “It’s for my family to say, ‘Look at what we did together.’ Education is a privilege, and my dad sacrificed so much to support me along the way. Seeing this outcome makes it all worth it.”

During her time at IU Northwest, Bermudez received comprehensive preparation for the realities of the teaching profession. While coursework covered the essential logistics and pedagogy, her faculty mentors bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice.

Bermudez credits School of Education science education lecturer Jory Matthews with playing a pivotal role in her academic journey. Matthews introduced her to an overseas student-teaching opportunity in Ireland and traveled abroad to conduct her field observations.

“Professor Matthews was a breath of fresh air,” Bermudez recalled. “He was hands-on and reminded us that making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process. He made sure we had everything we needed to succeed and graduate.”

Bermudez missed commencement in the spring, traveling to Ireland for the international student teaching program. She spent two months student teaching sixth graders in Ireland. The experience exposed her to alternative educational systems where instructors teach every discipline, including special education.

Beyond the curriculum, time abroad gave Bermudez a broader perspective on life and work-life balance

Back in Northwest Indiana, local mentorship was equally vital. Bermudez completed student-teaching placements under seasoned educators, including Tina Newton and Kath Bassetto at Wadsworth Elementary School in Griffith, Indiana. These mentors, and others, provided Bermudez with a more realistic look at what to expect every day.

“They gave me the real and the raw side of teaching,” Bermudez said. “Sometimes teaching is chaotic, messy and overwhelming, but it also makes you want more. They taught me that the first few years are about survival mode, and knowing that allows me to give myself grace as I figure things out.”

Going from a student to professional is never easy, but Bermudez said her cohort of fellow education students at IU Northwest made that transition easier. Rather than just relying on traditional job boards, Bermudez and her classmates leaned on one another to tell each other about internships, student-teaching placements and open teaching positions.

“We were always looking out for each other, sharing job openings and passing along information,” Bermudez said. “We were hunting down opportunities ourselves and making sure everyone knew what was available. Having that peer support network made all the difference.”

Look at any school district in Northwest Indiana, and it will have IU Northwest education graduates in the classroom, administration or on the school board. This spring, Bermudez joined a vast network of 30,000-plus IU Northwest alumni worldwide.

For IU Northwest Chancellor Arrick Jackson, Bermudez’s journey reflects the campus’s larger role in preparing graduates to make an impact in the communities they call home.

“At IU Northwest, we prepare our students for more than a career,” he said. “We prepare them to make a difference. Arianna’s story is a wonderful example of the transformative power of education. She gained the knowledge, practical experience and confidence to step into her profession ready to lead, and now she is bringing those gifts back to our community.”

Today, Bermudez manages a full curriculum at Jefferson Elementary, teaching reading, language arts, math, social studies and science to her third graders. Navigating classroom behavior and lesson planning presents daily challenges, but her training at IU Northwest and through student teaching equipped her to stay adaptable.

“As stressful as it can be at times, it’s beautiful to see the kids every day and watch them learn,” Bermudez said.

For current and prospective students at IU Northwest — especially those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education — Bermudez offered straightforward advice based on her own non-traditional path:

“It’s easier to say you tried than to give up because your head tells you that you can’t do it,” Bermudez said. “Allow yourself to go for it, even if it’s scary. Failure is key to showing yourself that you can become exactly who you are meant to be.”

For Bermudez, that leap of faith led her into a profession she loves, and she can’t see herself doing anything else.