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Meet Mylie Lanier, a senior at CU ��«����Ƶ majoring in Elementary Education with a passion for education, advocacy, and social impact and the motto 'Live what you love.'

 From an early age, Lanier discovered her passion for working with children, which inspired her to spend several years coaching young skiers and tutoring students. 

Lanier also worked with Reintegra, a nonprofit organization that empowers survivors of human trafficking through educational and vocational support, helping them reintegrate into society. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of trauma-informed care and the impact of focusing on the humanity of individuals,” says Lanier. 

This experience underscores a vital truth: real change often begins with individual support. 

Diagnosed with learning disabilities in elementary school, Lanier’s second-grade teacher, Ms. Lawson took the time to work with her one-on-one after school. “Her support made a significant impact on my learning and left a lasting impression,” Lanier shares, “It was in that moment that I decided I wanted to be a teacher who, like Ms. Lawson, would provide the guidance and encouragement that every student deserves.” 

While traveling and surfing in Central America, Lanier has been able to explore her passion for learning Spanish, a skill she believes is essential to fostering deeper, more humanizing relationships. “Spanish is not just a valuable skill – it is essential to my ability to connect meaningfully with others.” 

After graduation, Lanier plans to join the Peace Corps and teach English in Central or South America. Guided by her belief in the transformative power of one-on-one connection, she is determined to create change abroad and locally, one student at a time. 

 

 

In her own words:  

What kind of impact do you think teachers have? 

“Teachers have a profound and lasting impact on their students, shaping not only their academic development, but also their personal growth. They have the ability to inspire, encourage, and empower students, fostering a sense of confidence and self-worth, and love for all that extends beyond the classroom. A teacher's support, particularly in moments of struggle, can make all the difference in a student's learning journey, as I personally experienced with my second-grade teacher, Ms. Lawson. Teachers are also crucial in guiding students to become thoughtful, equitable, compassionate individuals who can navigate and contribute to a diverse, beautiful, and complex world. By creating inclusive, safe spaces that honor each student's background and experiences, teachers help cultivate a sense of belonging and respect, and humanizing pedagogy.” 

How has your time at CU ��«����Ƶ influenced your decision to pursue education? 

“My freshman-year courses helped me understand that teaching involves much more than I initially thought. To be a teacher like Ms. Lawson means being an anti-racist and abolitionist educator, a lifelong learner committed to unlearning and relearning. It’s about recognizing the injustices rooted in our country's history and the schooling system, and having the courage to challenge them. I believe that as educators, we must advocate for those students who are often overlooked and create a classroom that is a safe space for addressing social injustices. We must learn from our mistakes, appreciate each student's background and beliefs, and teach with love and compassion.” 

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

“I was adopted as a newborn, just 24 hours old, and from the moment I came home, the bond with my parents was immediate, strong, and unconditional. This bond remains central to my life today. I am incredibly fortunate to have been raised in a loving, supportive home that has provided me with a wealth of experiences and opportunities. My parents have always been there for me, nurturing me to be community-minded, ethical, and compassionate. They have instilled in me values and morals that guide my perspective and shape how I engage with the world. I am deeply grateful for their love and support.” 

What is your motto? 

“As cheesy as this might sound, my motto is: live what you love.”