ANC Student Snapshot - May 2020 - Danaja Bird

Arkansas Northeastern College May 2020 Student Snapshot recipient, Danaja Bird

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧
𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗝𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗

Arkansas Northeastern College is happy to announce Danaja Bird as one of its Student Snapshot recipients for the month of May. Former Assistant Professor in Education/Coordinator of ANC’s Education Program Ryan Perkins, who was recently named Dean of Arts and Sciences beginning in July, nominated Bird.

“Danaja Bird is an exceptional student. I had her in intro to teaching last semester and her placement teacher really liked her. She is so kind and sweet, and has such a positive outlook on things,” said Perkins of the education major.

According to Perkins, Bird will make an excellent teacher especially given that she has always had a desire to teach.

“I’m majoring in Early Childhood Education. Being a teacher is something that I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was a little kid. Being around children has always been such a joy for me. It’s also amazing to watch children learn, so why not pick a career where I can do just that?” added Bird.

Coming from a large family may have contributed to her career goals. She was only eight when she moved with her family from Missouri to Arkansas, and while it was an adjustment, she began to thrive. “I was raised by my two beautiful mothers, and I have six siblings. I’m the second youngest out of all of us. I have a really artistic mind so I like to draw, dance, make crafts, and cook,” added Bird.

With plans to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, that artistic ability should serve her well in her career goals. While she likes the hands-on approach in honing her artistic skills, she has been able to expand upon her interest in the arts since attending ANC.

“My favorite class right now is Art Appreciation. I love learning about the history and meaning behind each artwork. Plus, Mr. Brasher is a fun and interesting instructor.”

This is not surprising to Perkins who saw her intelligence and love of learning despite her quiet demeanor. “She is quiet and crazy intelligent, crazy in a good way, and very reserved, so she flies under the radar day in and day out. However, she is exactly the type of student I need others to see,” said Perkins who noted her excellent grades and studious nature.

Bird feels that ANC was a good choice for her because it is close to home and she feels comfortable that she is being well-prepared for the next step of transferring to a university. She also noted the affordable tuition that ANC offers as a deciding factor in decision.

She also offers some words of encouragement to those considering attending college. “My advice for students deciding where to attend college is to follow your heart. Don’t let anyone decide where you should or shouldn’t go. This is your future, your career, your decision.”