'I want to be a light in the life of the kids I teach'

Education major Olivia Tennison pursues her dream of becoming a teacher through Blinn and Tarleton State University’s partnership at Texas A&M-RELLIS

October 6, 2025

When people asked Olivia Tennison, 20, what she wanted to be when she grew up, there was only one answer. A teacher. As a student in the Blinn College District’s Teaching Program, the Hallsville native is making her childhood dream a reality.

“When I was in kindergarten and people asked me what I wanted to be, I’d say ‘teacher.’ It’s always been teacher,” Tennison said. “Most of my family members have been working in education. I have such admiration for the teachers I had growing up and even my professors now that it’s inspired me to grow this passion and pursue this career.”

At Blinn, Tennison’s love for teaching has only deepened as she found the support and close-knit learning environment she needed to thrive.

“This has been the best decision of my life. The professors are so encouraging, and they will help you with whatever you need,” Tennison said. “There are so many great mentors here and so many connections you can get through Blinn’s program that I never thought were possible. I also love my classmates and how it feels like a family every single class.”

The foundation Tennison is receiving at Blinn has set her on the path to pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education from Tarleton State University at Texas A&M-RELLIS in Bryan. Part of the RELLIS Academic Alliance, this pathway was the perfect fit for Tennison, who is currently dual enrolled at Blinn and Tarleton State.

“This has been such an easy and seamless process and I’m so thankful for that,” Tennison said. “Texas A&M-RELLIS has small class sizes, just like Blinn, which I love. All of my credits transferred and both my advisors at Blinn and RELLIS have made the process completely stress free. It’s just been kind of perfect.”

Blinn offers an Associate of Science in Education as well as an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)-Secondary and Content Area Teaching. Both degrees are designed for students to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program, depending on their area of specialization. Along with Tarleton State’s program at Texas A&M-RELLIS, Blinn maintains transfer partnerships with programs at Texas A&M, Sam Houston State, Texas State, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas, and more.

Through the Clear Affordable Pathways to Success (CAPS) Program, education students can earn their Bachelor of Science in Education-Early Childhood through Sixth Grade or their Bachelor of Science in Education-Grades 4-8 through a partnership with Texas A&M University-Victoria.

One aspect of Blinn’s program that has helped Tennison cement her decision to become a teacher is participating in observational hours where she has spent time in local daycares and elementary schools. Blinn Teaching Program students observe children and assist teachers in facilities that range from babies in daycares up through high school.

“I am just in awe of these tiny babies that grow into these first and second graders asking the most interesting questions,” Tennison said. “Education is the foundation of life. It’s inspiring, magical, and amazing and I want to be a part of that. I want to be the light in the life of the kids I teach.”

Tennison’s long-term goal is to become a school administrator, but she hopes to start making an impact by teaching first or second grade.

“First and second graders have that spark and are just excited to be there and excited to learn. For me, I’m getting to realize my dreams and follow my passion, and I never would have been able to do that without this program,” Tennison said. “If you’re interested in working in the education profession, I would 1,000% recommend going to Blinn.”

To learn more about Blinn’s Teaching Program, visit www.blinn.edu/teaching.