AAFCS turns the spotlight on individuals, their experiences, and how they have benefited from AAFCS membership and/or family and consumer sciences programs. It offers an opportunity for you to share your story with your colleagues and the greater FCS community, inspire future FCS professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.
Isn't it your turn to grab the spotlight? Download a submission form here!
McKenzie K. Mortensen
Lincoln, Nebraska
Student Member since 2012
New member McKenzie Mortensen is a rising star in the Nebraska Affiliate. She grew up in Lincoln, went to Lincoln East High School, and now attends University of Nebraska Lincoln where she majors in Secondary Education in Family and Consumer Sciences. Writes McKenzie, "I have wanted to be a teacher since the 3rd grade and finally chose to major in Family and Consumer Sciences Education so I could use my ability to relate with others, keep a positive attitude and show my compassion for helping students to work and cope with any type of problem they are experiencing. It is important to me to get to know students on a personal level and work with them to succeed in school while also preparing them for their life after high school. My most memorable experience was when I first heard a 7th grader say, “Oh, I get it” after I explained the concept of work of the family."
Why did you join AAFCS?
It first sparked my interest in joining AAFCS when I saw a bulletin board in one of the University buildings advertising the professional organization. I joined the organization after Sheree Moser presented the benefits of membership to my Family and Consumer Sciences Secondary Education class.
How has membership in AAFCS been of value to you and your practice?
I have developed much of an appreciation for AAFCS after attending a NAFCS statewide meeting as a student leader.* At the meeting, I worked with professionals that had experience in a field that I am working towards. These women provided useful insight to one another and accepted the ideas that I presented. I was able to develop my professionalism and learn a large amount of information about conferences, future meetings, procedures and bylaws. I was also given a wonderful opportunity to network with women who can help me grow and become a better family and consumer sciences teacher, as well as a member of AAFCS.
Please complete the following sentence:
AAFCS is …
An organization that allows individuals in the family and consumer sciences field to grow as professionals and work with individuals with similar interests, goals and aspirations.
Please explain your answer.
AAFCS helps students and professionals to join an organization where they have common interests in family and consumer sciences. Also, it gives students an opportunity to learn from professionals involved in the organization. AAFCS allows individuals to constantly learn more about the field of family and consumer sciences and to keep up with the latest news and developments within the field. Giving students and professionals a chance to network allows for everyone to succeed at a more professional level.
Why did you choose the field of family and consumer sciences?
I chose the field of family and consumer sciences because I want to work with adolescents that need help coping with any problems they may be facing at home, in school or other settings that limit their capabilities. Many children have disadvantages that inhibit their abilities to stay motivated and get the most from their education. As a family and consumer sciences teacher, I will have the resources and knowledge to help students address any issues they may have while providing a welcoming, approachable and open environment for them to learn and reflect. I believe that students need a mentor they can look up to, learn from, relate with and come to for any help or advice. I am currently striving and will continue to work hard to become that leader and mentor for students as I continue my education.
Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments.
I held a position of Vice President of Membership and Assistant Vice President of Event Planning in my sorority, Pi Beta Phi. I have also accepted the position of student co-chair with NAFCS. I have worked for the Office of Vice President and Provost of the University of Nebraska as a student assistant for almost two years. With that position, I also assist the President of the University of Nebraska with organizational tasks and errands.
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