Trey Lampkin knows firsthand the importance of a caring educator.
Lampkin has Stargardt’s disease, a visual disorder that obscures his central vision. Growing up, he struggled in school due to his impairment and said he chose his major because of those experiences.
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“I want to make sure that all students receive a great education,” Lampkin said. “I want to make sure that students do not repeat what I had to go through.”
Lampkin finished high school with a 1.8 GPA. Graduating Saturday, May 3, with a bachelor of education in special education, his current GPA is 3.9.
“What changed? My professors and my work ethic,” he said. “My professors have always seen my vision of working with students with disabilities. They have always made sure to help me in any way that I need. Also, desire to help students of all kinds has made me develop a high work ethic.”
Lampkin said his impairment makes him a more effective educator.
“I know how to spot signs of a student that is struggling with their own issues such as a disability, mental illness and more because of my own experiences,” Lampkin said. “My visual impairment taught me to pay attention to every student’s needs. I see myself in them. Therefore, I am able to spot what they need.”
Dixie Newell, a senior lecturer in the Judith Herb College of Education, said Lampkin is an exemplary student.
“I have had the honor of getting to know Trey through two of my courses,” Newell said. “A few things that I have noticed about Trey is that he is extremely helpful to both staff and other students. He has great ideas to share with others and it is evident how much we all appreciate his input. Trey is not only very bright, but he is ambitious, kind and insightful.”
Trey Lampkin, top, competed nationally and internationally in Paralympic judo with Team U.S.A. before coming to UToledo to pursue a career in special education.
Before pursuing a career in special education, Lampkin joined Team U.S.A for paralympic judo, traveling across the country and internationally to compete.
“It was easy for me to make the team. I have been wrestling for over 15 years, and judo is very similar to wrestling. I have won a national title, which is kind of like winning the Super Bowl,” he said. “School has definitely affected me. I devoted so much time to school that I have rarely competed in the last two years. But when I graduate, I will be back in full competition mode.”
“If I am not studying, I am training,” he added.
Lampkin is a student teacher at DeVeaux Elementary School. He is considering several job opportunities with plans to continue teaching while pursuing a master’s in special education with a focus on visual impairments.
“I will be working with kids who have all sorts of disabilities, such as visual impairments, hearing impairments, autism, speech impairments, mental disorders and more,” Lampkin said. “Pursuing a career in the field of education means that you have to have a heart of love. No one pursues education for the pay — they pursue it because they want the best for others.”