Class of ’26 Grads Heading to Roles With Teach for America, Americorps

Q

Why did you apply to the program?

Pogozelski: I applied to join the 2026 Teach For America to simultaneously serve a community as an educator and grow and develop as a leader. My experience working in Utica this summer as an intern at On Point for College also directly contributed to my motivation to apply. I was able to see the positive impact of the organization’s in-school programming, which motivated me to pursue a role in which I’d work directly with students and create meaningful change.

Lona: I applied to TFA because I wanted to give back to my community and to support the kids going through the education system now like the way I was supported when I was in middle school and high school. Additionally, I was pre-law (still am), but I always wanted to get exposure to the education industry because I’ve always had the intention to teach at some point in my career, and the TFA program allowed me to do this earlier than expected.

King-Bond: My grandmother grew up and retired in Montana, so I have many memories of visiting the Kalispell area specifically to visit her. I hope to connect more deeply with the community in Northwest Montana through my service, as the position involves work not only in the city of Kalispell, but also in the rural areas that comprise the rest of the Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana. I also think it is a fantastic opportunity to live in a new region of the country and to gain experience in the legal field before committing to something like law school.

Q

How do you hope to make a difference?

Pogozelski: By providing a learning environment that inspires [students] and makes them feel capable of success, regardless of their background or individual differences.

Lona: I hope that being a younger teacher, and having been in the students’ shoes not too long ago, will allow me to have a better understanding of where they are coming from and be able to sympathize/resonate with them in order to have the best class experience they could have.

King-Bond: I’m a strong believer in access to legal information regardless of income and am looking forward to serving as a resource to self-represented litigants who might otherwise be unable to afford a private civil attorney.

Q

What are you most looking forward to?

Pogozelski: I’m most looking forward to the relationships I’ll form with my students. When I think back about my elementary school experience, I remember the valuable role that my teachers played in my life both in and outside the classroom. I’m excited to step into that role and recreate the welcoming environment that I was so fortunate to experience as a young student!

Lona: I’m really excited to learn who my students are and getting connected with the staff at my school who will be with me for the next two years. I’m also excited to head back home!

King-Bond: I am a huge outdoor enthusiast, so the proximity to Glacier National Park is a major plus for me. I’m also looking forward to experiencing the vibrant country music scene that I hear comes through the area.

Q

What are your ultimate career goals?

Pogozelski: I would love to obtain a graduate degree and pursue a career in school psychology or counseling. I can also definitely see myself falling in love with teaching and staying in the classroom beyond my two years with TFA!

Lona: I ultimately want to become a lawyer in immigration law or criminal defense, but it’s not guaranteed (I might end up falling in love with teaching and decide to stay in the profession!). I will say if I get into the legal profession, which is the original plan, I know that I will eventually return to teaching, whether that be at a law school or back in the middle school classroom.

King-Bond: The hope is to combine these interests and do some sort of environmental litigation or advocacy, though this is still very much subject to change.

Q

What extracurriculars were you involved with at Hamilton?

Pogozelski: I competed on the cross country and track and field teams during my four years. I also participated in Greek life as a member of Phi Beta Chi.

Lona: I’m part of the Questbridge chapter, was a member of Model UN, a tour guide for the Admission Office, was a student ambassador for the Levitt Center, was the senior fellow for the CSI program in the COOP, a peer coach/advisor for the Career Center, [and] ushered for the Music and Theater departments.

King-Bond: I was an Outing Club trip leader, a member of the Marathon Canoe team, and worked in the library.